SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–Congregation Beth Am, a Conservative Jewish synagogue located in Carmel Valley, has announced a new pre-school-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service taking place on the fourth Friday of every month at 5:45 PM. Free-of-charge and open to all in the community, the service will last approximately a half-hour and rely heavily on music, storytelling, dancing and interactivity to engage families with young children.
Kabbalat Shabbat, which literally means, “Welcoming the Sabbath,” is an early evening ceremony that precedes the traditional Friday night service. The Kabbalat Shabbat service is led by Rabbi Matthew Earne, whose magnetic storytelling style and delightful dancing will light up the room. Musician and artist Penny Cohen’s lively guitar playing and uplifting voice will further add to the spirit of the evening.
“Beth Am has always made it a point to offer worship and programs for people in all stages of life. This new service further extends our outreach to young families in the greater area,” said Rabbi Earne. “I am sincerely excited about this program. I love to see the smiles on children’s faces as they sing and experience the joy of Shabbat.”
All children in attendance will enjoy a light “Kid Kiddush” including raisins, pretzels, carrots, crackers and juice boxes. In addition, each child will receive a Frequent Prayer Card. After filling the card with five stickers, children get to select a special prize from the treasure chest.
The next Kabbalat Shabbat service will take place on Friday, February 26, 2010. Congregation Beth Am is located in Carmel Valley at 5050 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, California 92130. More information is available by calling (858) 481-8454 or sending an email to rabbie@betham.com.