Story by Miriam Gershenson; Photos by Albert Kreimerman
LA JOLLA, California – On a memorable evening at the JCC this past Friday, community members gathered to celebrate Shabbat in a unique and vibrant way, honoring four distinct Jewish cultures: South African, Mexican, Israeli, and American. Organized by SAJAC, KEN, IAC, and the JCC, the event brought together about 150 people—adults and children alike—for a potluck-style gathering full of music, fun, and fellowship.
The event, held indoors in the JCC gym, created a warm and lively atmosphere, filled with chatter, music, and the laughter of children. Communal tables were set up intentionally to foster conversation, with a challah placed at each table to encourage sharing and connection. The gym quickly transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, where people from different backgrounds came together to share a meal, stories, and Shabbat traditions.
Each of the four cultures was thoughtfully represented, with banners and cultural items from each group displayed in the space. A beautiful showcase of flags adorned the stage, symbolizing the unity of the diverse cultures gathered for the evening. To further enhance the cultural experience, a Spotify playlist played music from each of the represented communities, setting the tone for a rich and varied evening.
The children were especially engaged with the wide range of activities available. The piñatas, cornhole, life-size Jenga, and giant Connect 4 became crowd favorites. The games were never left idle, and it was clear that these interactive elements were key in making the event enjoyable for families. Children played together, regardless of background, creating an atmosphere of playfulness and camaraderie.
At the start of the event, attendees gathered for a Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony. Women were invited to light the Shabbat candles, followed by the prayer over the grape juice and challah. Everyone stood together in front of the stage, creating a moment of shared reflection before the evening’s festivities began. The lighting of the candles and the prayers marked the official start of Shabbat, setting the tone for the rest of the event.
Another highlight was the Shabbat card-making and exchange, led by the Shinshinim (Teen emissaries from Israel). At a dedicated table in the back, children and families created beautiful cards, but the Shinshinim also took the time to circulate through the event, encouraging attendees to participate by handing out blank cards and color pencils. At the end of the evening, the cards were collected and exchanged, creating a meaningful and personal connection between the attendees.
As the ceremony concluded, everyone was invited to help themselves to the delicious spread laid out on the communal potluck buffet. The variety of dishes reflected the rich cultural tapestry of the event, with each family contributing their own unique flavors to the meal. It was an opportunity to try new foods, enjoy favorites, and share in the tradition of communal dining.
The event was not only a celebration of cultural diversity but also an incredible display of community spirit. Despite the challenges faced, including the decision to move the event indoors at the last minute due to weather, the JCC staff displayed remarkable flexibility, quickly setting up tables and chairs to transform the gym into an inviting space. The willingness of community members to pitch in during the clean-up process was equally inspiring. In just half an hour, the gym was cleared, with tables and chairs folded, garbage collected, and the space returned to its original state—all thanks to the collective effort of those present.
This event was a testament to the power of community—how, despite our different backgrounds, we are united by our shared traditions and the values of togetherness. It was a night full of joy, unity, and meaningful connections that transcended cultural boundaries.
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Miriam Gershenson and Albert Kreimerman are wife and husband, respectively freelance writer and freelance photographer.