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02/22/2017 08:00 AMCongregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (CBSRZ) in Chester will host a Shabbat Across America program on Friday, March 3, one of the hundreds of Jewish congregations across the country that will participate in the program.
A Shabbat service is a regular Friday night occurrence at synagogues, but Shabbat Across America is a special evening to which non-congregation members are warmly welcomed.
“It is something that appeals to a lot of interfaith families, and we are delighted when they come and join us,” said Ed Pinn, who is in charge of the CBSRZ program.
Attendees are encouraged to bring candlesticks to light Shabbat candles. CBSRZ will provide the candles themselves.
The evening includes music, song, and dinner. The synagogue provides main dishes and attendees are encouraged to bring a dairy side dish, salad, or desert to share. Those who attend will get a take-home bag with small Shabbat candles to help celebrate at home as well as a mini-challah, the braided loaf used for the blessing over bread.
Pinn said that in the past between 15 and 20 percent of those who come to the popular evening are not congregation members.
“I like being a part of bringing families to the synagogue and it is a joyful and uplifting evening,” he said. “It is a time to see old friends and meet new ones.”
Rabbi Marci Bellows and Cantor Belinda Brennan will lead the Shabbat service. The evening concludes with an Oneg, the traditional coffee and desert gathering that follows the Shabbat service.
The program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is necessary; call the synagogue office at 860-526-8920.
Shabbat Across America at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East King’s Highway, Chester, is on Friday, March 3, at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is necessary; call the synagogue at 860-526-8920.