Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Yitro / 17 Sh'vat 5775
Exodus 8:-1-27 | Isaiah 6:1-7; 9:5-6

This Shabbat, Jackie Berman shares 
Embracing Shabbat

The idea of embracing Shabbat came to me in a most unexpected way. I moved to where I presently live almost four years ago. When I moved there, I decided that I wanted a fresh start, a new beginning. I had been involved in a serious, nearly fatal auto accident. This caused me to think about just how fortunate I am, and was the beginning of my spiritual journey, and a big part of that journey became my commitment to remembering my gratitude and good fortune. It was also the beginning of my embracing of Shabbat.


I remembered having attended family celebrations at Beth Emet in times past, for the occasional bar or bat mitzvah. At our recent Chanukah concert, I reminisced with my son, Erik - who had brought my granddaughters, Grace and Madelyn for the festivities - about attending other celebrations in the past, and what wonderful times those had been: a chance to celebrate with family and friends. It was natural, then, as I began my search for a community and synagogue to join, that I find Beth Emet again.

 

When I started coming to Beth Emet again, I didn't know anyone. I came alone - and that quickly changed! Everyone has been so pleasant and kind, warm and welcoming to me. I made friends and began to feel comfortable. Now, I am here at Beth Emet on a regular basis, celebrating with my community, learning and attending worship services.

 

Being able to embrace Shabbat with my chosen community means a lot to me. I have Friday evening services as well as Saturday morning Kahalniks. In either service, I am always embraced with friendship and kindness, and I know that I am an integral part of this synagogue.


Every week, I look forward to my preparations for Shabbat. They are a way to refresh my week. It gives me an opportunity to reflect on the week past, and a time to think about the week ahead. It is also a time to share these celebrations and reflections with friends and community, here at Beth Emet.


This is how I embrace Shabbat.


 

JACKIE BERMAN has been a member of Beth Emet for the last three and a half years. She has two sons, three granddaughters and will soon welcome twin grandsons into the world! A retired Special Education teacher, she spends much of her time taking classes at Beth Emet and volunteering in a community literacy program as well as at Beth Emet's Soup Kitchen. She is a past member of the Board of Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD). 

Each Friday during 5775, we are featuring writings from you, our congregants, sharing reflections on Shabbat. We hope you will be inspired to share your reflections with the community. If you are interested in contributing to this project, please contact Stacey Zisook Robinson
This Shabbat at Beth Emet

Friday, February 6
6:30 p.m. 
 
Our Erev Shabbat Music Leader will be Rebecca Raus
D'var Torah by Rabbi Andrea London
Special travel blessing for Sarah Bloom and Ellie Rosenberg
Memorial Plaque Dedication for Herbert L. Green 
Dinner After following services

Saturday, February 7
9:30 a.m. Kahal Worship in the Weiner Room with Torah Reader Hyma Levin and Torah Discussion Leader Nisan Chavkin 

9:30 a.m.  Minyan in Room 208
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