Over 20,000 San Diegans expected in global Shabbat rite

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– Millions of Jews in over 500 cities in 65 countries around the world will join as one in celebrating a traditional, cohesive and momentous Shabbat, a day of rest and rejuvenation October 22- 24, 2015.  Locally, Shabbat San Diego (www.shabbatsandiego.org) is coordinating and planning, in conjunction with local congregations, community organizations, schools and youth groups, a unique free three-day experience to inspire more than 20,000 Jewish San Diegans to join in and experience the joyful mind-body-spiritual restorative powers that a personally evocative Shabbat experience promotes.

Shabbat San Diego encourages individuals of the Jewish faith in San Diego, whatever their affiliation or non-affiliation might be, to conduct this Shabbat as a unified community; enjoy global identity, pride and solidarity; and invite every one of the 50,000 San Diego Jewish households to Shabbat dinner.

According to Rabbi Daniel Bortz, Assistant Rabbi and Young Adult/Youth Director, Orot Hacarmel and Director of JTEEN of San Diego, “This is a San Diego county-wide initiative.” We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that every denomination, affiliation, ideology and political persuasion is fully engaged, involved and genuinely welcome. This is a one-of-a-kind Jewish pride, identity, unity and solidarity event.”

Shabbat San Diego events include the following:

• Pre-events: In the weeks prior to the Shabbat San Diego weekend, a number of Shabbat related activities will be held  including cooking classes, leading Shabbat services, song sessions, fitness and  health and other inspirational topics to be signed up for by visiting shabbatsandiego.org.
• Mega Challah Bake: Thursday, October 22, 2015, 6:30 p.m. Online reservations are open at shabbatsandiego.org for the Mega Challah Bake at the San Diego Jewish Academy, 11860 Carmel Creek Rd. in Carmel Valley and Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Diego. Participants will learn to mix the ingredients, braid dough and make their own bread to take home and bake. All are welcome. Space is limited to the first 3,000 registrants.

·         Hosted Shabbat Dinners: Friday October 23, 2015. Following services at participating congregations, community organizations and private homes. Enjoy the tradition of a Shabbat Dinner with the community, family, new and old friends. Shabbat is ushered in by lighting candles and reciting a blessing.

• Private Shabbat Dinners: Friday October 23, 2015. For those who prefer a Shabbat dinner with family and friends in the privacy of your own home. Shabbat San Diego will upon request and registration, provide you with Shabbat San Diego materials to assist you enjoy the sanctity of the moment and be an active participant in the International Unity Shabbat Our transliterated Shabbat brochure offers prayers, songs, Shabbat thoughts and other information.

·         Shabbat, the United Day of Rest: Saturday October 24, 2015.  Saturday morning special services will be held at participating congregations, followed by congregational Kiddush and in selected locations there will be study opportunities, guest lectures and organized events throughout the afternoon. Many locations will provide a Seu’dat Shlishit, the third meal around 5 pm for participants in the afternoon activities.

·         Havadalah and Musical Evening, Saturday, October 24, 2015. As a celebration to end the global Shabbat and begin the new week, a huge Havdalah and musical community unity event will take place at the Town & County Conference Center in Mission Valley starting at 7:30 p.m. Hundreds of our community’s children of all denominations and unaffiliated will march into the center while singing in unison to start the evening.  This will be followed by a fun musical celebration of community unity and global solidarity. Israeli superstar, David D’Or, will be performing. Space is limited so sign up at www.shabbatsandiego.org.

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Preceding provided by Shabbat San Deigo