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Shabbat & Havdalah

In the Torah and the Ten Commandments we are instructed to “Observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” The Sabbath or Shabbat for the Jewish people begins Friday night at sundown and ends Saturday with a ceremony called Havdalah. In the creation story in the Torah, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. We follow this model - after working all week, we also rest on Shabbat. Some Jews choose to follow this model strictly and not do any work on Shabbat, including driving in cars and using electricity. Others interpret this in different ways, looking at Shabbat as a day to spend time with family, engaged in Jewish activities, and setting it apart as a special time distinct from the rest of the week.  

To celebrate Shabbat, many go to Friday night services at their synagogue or have a special meal at home.  Whether at home or at the synagogue, there are a few special Shabbat rituals. We say the blessings over the Shabbat candles, the wine, and Challah bread. There are also special services Saturday morning where the Torah portion of the week is read, and which is often the time when Jewish children at the age of 13 become bar or bat mitzvah and lead the worship service.

On Saturday night when there are three stars visible in the night sky, Shabbat is officially over. To mark the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week, we observe Havdalah. In Hebrew Havdalah means “separation.” We separate the holiness of Shabbat from the rest of the normal week. Just as there are special Shabbat rituals and blessings, on Havdalah we light a braided candle, wine, and spices. We smell the spices to refresh the soul and remember the sweetness of Shabbat. At the end of the Havdalah ceremony, we extinguish the flame in the cup of wine and listen to the fizzling sound. The new week begins.

Download classic Shabbat recipes, created by TI member Diane Packman:
Matzoh Ball Soup
Noodle Kugel
Vegetable Tzimmes

Watch our "All About Shabbat" playlist here:

Or, take a prayer-by-prayer look at Temple Israel's Shabbat services in this two-part series, Beyond Baruch:

 

Upcoming holiday events & Programs

If there aren't events showing below, we haven't yet planned this holiday's programming. Please check back soon!

FridayFri, 29 MarMarch, 2024

 
 
The 2024 TISCH Shabbat Dinners

Friday, Mar 29th 7:30p to 9:00pJoin a Shabbat dinner at a new dining room table near you! Created by Rabbi Amy & Rabbi Michael, “The TISCH” (or “table” in Yiddish) are Shabbat dinners for adults organized by Temple members for members following Friday night Shabbat services. Hosted at TI members’ homes, you’ll meet new people, reconnect with some you may already know, and experience bringing in Shabbat through tradition, song and prayer, and meaningful conversation over a delicious meal.

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ThursdayThu, 4 AprApril, 2024

Dinner, Drinks & Dough

Thursday, Apr 4th 7:00p to 9:00pJoin us for Dinner, Drinks & Dough with TI member Kathy de la Garza Ortbals – challah-baking expert – to learn how to make this traditional Jewish bread from scratch!

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FridayFri, 5 AprApril, 2024

 
 
Kabbalat HaSiddur with Rick Recht 

Friday, Apr 5th 6:30p to 7:30pAt this service, we'll celebrate our third-grade students who will receive their first siddurim (prayerbooks) to commemorate this milestone as a gift from the congregation. Musical accompaniment by Rick Recht, a St. Louis native, internationally known and celebrated Jewish artist and song leader.

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FridayFri, 26 AprApril, 2024

 
 
Passover Shabbat

Friday, Apr 26th 6:30p to 7:30pEnjoy a Passover-themed sermon from the Rabbis preceded and followed by an Oneg filled with Passover-friendly noshables, and of course, you guessed it, matzah!

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MondayMon, 29 AprApril, 2024

 
 
Passover Yizkor Service

Monday, Apr 29th 11:00a to 12:00pThis service is for Temple members who have lost loved ones since the previous Passover and provides a sense of kinship and comfort at being together with those whose loss still feels so unimaginable.

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FridayFri, 3 MayMay, 2024

 
 
End of Year Tot Shabbat & Lite Bite

Friday, May 3rd 5:45p to 6:15pCelebrate the end of an amazing school year with friends at this short Shabbat service for kids ages 6 and below! Led by our Rabbis and Miss Megan and created just for littles, this service features the Shabbat tunes and prayers your kids know and love, and there will of course be lots of dancing and tons of fun! Following services, let’s keep Shabbat going with a “lite bite” together in the Isserman.

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FridayFri, 3 MayMay, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Services

Friday, May 3rd 6:30p to 7:30pWeekly Shabbat services take place on Friday evenings. All are welcome to join us in person or online. 6:00 pm Pre-Oneg | in person 6:30 pm Shabbat Services | online and in person

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FridayFri, 10 MayMay, 2024

 
 
Holidays of Israel Shabbat

Friday, May 10th 6:30p to 7:30pThis past year, we’ve been more connected to the idea of supporting Israel than ever before. Join us at services for a special Israel Shabbat to remember the six million Jews and others who perished during the Holocaust; to honor Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism; and to celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day.

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FridayFri, 14 JunJune, 2024

 
 
The 2024 TISCH Shabbat Dinners

Friday, Jun 14th 7:30p to 9:00pJoin a Shabbat dinner at a new dining room table near you! Created by Rabbi Amy & Rabbi Michael, “The TISCH” (or “table” in Yiddish) are Shabbat dinners for adults organized by Temple members for members following Friday night Shabbat services. Hosted at TI members’ homes, you’ll meet new people, reconnect with some you may already know, and experience bringing in Shabbat through tradition, song and prayer, and meaningful conversation over a delicious meal.

MORE INFO

FridayFri, 13 SepSeptember, 2024

 
 
The 2024 TISCH Shabbat Dinners

Friday, Sep 13th 7:30p to 9:00pJoin a Shabbat dinner at a new dining room table near you! Created by Rabbi Amy & Rabbi Michael, “The TISCH” (or “table” in Yiddish) are Shabbat dinners for adults organized by Temple members for members following Friday night Shabbat services. Hosted at TI members’ homes, you’ll meet new people, reconnect with some you may already know, and experience bringing in Shabbat through tradition, song and prayer, and meaningful conversation over a delicious meal.

MORE INFO

 

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784