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. Just as God rested on the seventh day, we do as well — after working all week, we 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, engage in Jewish activities, and set it apart as a special time distinct from the rest of the week.  

However you observe, we hope you find the following guides helpful. Shabbat Shalom!

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.

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FridayFri, 20 JunJune, 2025

 

 

Shabbat Services

Friday, Jun 20th 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, 27 JunJune, 2025

 

 

Shabbat Services

Friday, Jun 27th 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, 4 JulJuly, 2025

 

 

SPECIAL SHABBAT SUMMER SERIES: led by Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook

Friday, Jul 4th 6:30p to 7:30pIn a series of four Shabbat presentations during July, Rabbi Shook will upend what we thought we knew about basic Jewish ideas. Join us for a deep dive into the historic forces that produced our understanding of God, Torah, and Israel, and that will reveal unexpected insights into who we are, where we have been, and where are we could be going.

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FridayFri, 11 JulJuly, 2025

 

 

SPECIAL SHABBAT SUMMER SERIES: led by Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook

Friday, Jul 11th 6:30p to 7:30pIn a series of four Shabbat presentations during July, Rabbi Shook will upend what we thought we knew about basic Jewish ideas. Join us for a deep dive into the historic forces that produced our understanding of God, Torah, and Israel, and that will reveal unexpected insights into who we are, where we have been, and where are we could be going.

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FridayFri, 18 JulJuly, 2025

 

 

SPECIAL SHABBAT SUMMER SERIES: led by Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook

Friday, Jul 18th 6:30p to 7:30pIn a series of four Shabbat presentations during July, Rabbi Shook will upend what we thought we knew about basic Jewish ideas. Join us for a deep dive into the historic forces that produced our understanding of God, Torah, and Israel, and that will reveal unexpected insights into who we are, where we have been, and where are we could be going.

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FridayFri, 25 JulJuly, 2025

An Evening To Celebrate Rabbi Mark & Carol Shook

Friday, Jul 25th 6:00p to 10:00pTo commemorate Rabbi Mark & Carol Shook's special birthdays, we invite you to an evening of celebration to honor them and the impact they have made at Temple Israel and beyond.

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FridayFri, 25 JulJuly, 2025

 

 

SPECIAL SHABBAT SUMMER SERIES: led by Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook

Friday, Jul 25th 6:30p to 7:30pIn a series of four Shabbat presentations during July, Rabbi Shook will upend what we thought we knew about basic Jewish ideas. Join us for a deep dive into the historic forces that produced our understanding of God, Torah, and Israel, and that will reveal unexpected insights into who we are, where we have been, and where are we could be going.

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FridayFri, 1 AugAugust, 2025

 

 

End-of-Summer Tot Shabbat & Ice Cream Celebration!

Friday, Aug 1st 5:15p to 5:45pJoin us on the Upper Playground to end the amazing summer with a short Shabbat service for tots – led by Miss Megan and created just for littles – is jam-packed with Shabbat (and camp!) tunes your kids will know and love, lots of dancing, and tons of fun!

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FridayFri, 1 AugAugust, 2025

 

 

Shabbat Services

Friday, Aug 1st 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, 8 AugAugust, 2025

 

 

Tu B'av Shabbat

Friday, Aug 8th 6:30p to 7:30pBring your sweeties of all ages to a special Shabbat service and sermon all about Tu B’av -- a Jewish holiday where we celebrate friendship and love of every kind. Oh, and it’s customary to wear something white for Tu B’av; it’s a symbol of equality and new beginnings!

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