The Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center (JCC) hosted a special Shabbat, Friday, December 15, 2023. The unique Shabbat experience was presented by our active Israeli community in the Milton & Betty Katz JCC’s auditorium. Israeli families that have been impacted by the current Israel – Hamas war led us through the beauty of Shabbat rituals.
A traditional Shabbat celebration consists of various parts, rituals, and customs that mark the sanctity of the day. Some key components of a Shabbat celebration include:
- D’var Torah: This is a commentary on a particular section or portion of the Torah, the central religious text of Judaism. Typically, a D’var Torah is presented during a synagogue service, study session, or a gathering within the Jewish community. It’s an interpretation or explanation of the meaning, lessons, and relevance of a specific Torah portion (Parashah) that is read and studied each week as part of the annual Torah reading cycle.
- Candle Lighting: Women traditionally light candles before sunset on Friday to signify the beginning of Shabbat, often reciting a blessing as they do so.
- Kiddush: This ritual involves sanctifying the day with a blessing over wine or grape juice. It’s usually done before the evening meal on Friday night and also before the daytime meal on Saturday.
- Challah: A special braided bread, known as challah, is typically used during Shabbat meals. A blessing is recited before partaking in the bread.
- Prayers: Throughout Shabbat, there are specific prayers and readings from the Siddur (Jewish prayer book) that are recited, particularly during synagogue services.
These components vary among different Jewish traditions and individual observances, but they collectively contribute to the beauty and sanctity of the Shabbat celebration.
The JCC’s special Shabbat was led by Malka and Moshe Carrasso and their son Leo, a family from Israel that traveled to the United States due to the Israel – Hamas war. Also helping was Youval Motil, another student from Israel. Both families have become involved in the Katz JCC since temporarily leaving Israel as a result of the conflict there.
JCC Board Member Moshe Shinar led the kiddush and the D’var Torah. Moshe Carrasso explained all the Shabbat items they brought with them from Israel, including candlestick holders, a kiddush cup and challah cover. Malka Carrasso spoke about how happy she was to be in the United States and how much Leo was learning here in school. Members of the JCC , staff and families attended the special Shabbat celebration. The community joined in to recite prayers and shared the wine, or juice and challah.
“Focusing on Israel and showcasing their ties to our community, allows us to continue to provide Israel centered cultural programming and educate those that want to learn more about life in Israel. Now, more than ever, we want to promote peace and unity. Shabbat is the perfect time to come together and support each other,” said Marg Rosenblatt, Milton & Betty Katz JCC Chief Executive Officer.
This event was made possible through the JCC Association of North America in partnership with Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. It is also part of Giborim | Heroes: Voices from October 7 Giborim | Heroes program is part of the מתחברים | Mit-habrim | CONNECTIONS funding initiative, a partnership between the Israeli Government s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism, JCC Association of North America and World Zionist Organization (WZO).
