Shabbat is an integral part of Jewish life: as the philosopher Achad Ha’am said, “It’s not so much that Jews have kept Shabbat as that Shabbat has kept the Jews.” Shabbat offers the opportunity for joy and delight (oneg), depth and meaning, transcendence of our busy daily lives and connection with the Divine and with community. Shabbat is zecher le’ma’ase vereishit, ‘a reminder of the Creation of the world’; as such, Shabbat invites us to cease from our work and regain a sense of wonder for the world in which we live. Leaving behind work and day-to-day concerns, we sanctify Shabbat as a day for rest and renewal.

At Kol Tzedek, we encourage innovative Shabbat rituals as well as honor traditional observance. These are the values and practices that may enrich and sanctify our communal experience of Shabbat:

·         Talmud Torah (Study): To engage with Torah, Jewish and non-Jewish texts and reflect on how they connect to our world.

·         Hachnasat Orchim (Hospitality): To enter each other’s homes for communal and family gatherings, sharing meals, prayers and song.

·         Tefilah (Prayer): To experience meaningful connection to the Divine and community through davening (prayer), meditation, and music.

·         Menucha (Rest): To leave behind our work-week and take time for quiet reflection and rest, restoring our souls for the week to come.

·         Oneg Shabbat (Delight in Shabbat): To welcome Shabbat with joy and celebration.

·         K’vod HaMesoret (Respect for tradition): To consider traditional sources and practices in order to expand our understanding of Shabbat.

·         Hitbodedut (Self-reflection): To encourage personal reflection and growth about one’s Shabbat practice; to invite individuals to ask questions, challenge assumptions and consider new practices.

·         Kehillah (Community): To foster opportunities for community building and to create a welcoming environment for all.