Copy of SHABBAT AT THE CENTER: What Do We Mean?

Recently, I have been writing about Shabbat with Friends' new initiative, Shabbat at the Center. A friend pointed out that the phrase could be misleading. In our region, the word center is often associated with a physical building, such as the Santa Fe Jewish Center or the Jewish Community Center in Albuquerque. But for us, center refers not to a place, but to time. 

Inspired by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, the great Jewish theologian who described Shabbat as a "sanctuary in time," we understand the center of Jewish life not as a building but as a sacred rhythm. In Jewish tradition, the days of the week do not have names. Sunday is Yom Rishon (First Day), Monday is Yom Sheni (Second Day), and so on. Only Shabbat has a name. 

Jewish customs of greeting one another throughout the week reflect this understanding. Beginning on the fourth day of the week, Wednesday, it is customary to greet others with Shabbat Shalom. After Shabbat concludes, and through Tuesday, we wish one another Shavua Tov ("May you have a good week"). In this way, Shabbat becomes the focal point around which the entire week revolves. 

When we speak of Shabbat at the Center, we mean an approach to life that places Shabbat at its center. Our goal is to help people cultivate a deeper relationship with Shabbat and discover how its values and practices can shape the way we live. In this respect, our approach differs from that of synagogues and Jewish organizations. Our focus is on Shabbat, only Shabbat. We don’t have a building. We have Shabbat wherever we can gather.  We meet at homes, pleasant venues, in parks, in the outdoors. but always on Shabbat. Our emphasis is on holy time. Where we meet varies. Through fostering this sanctuary of time, Shabbat with Friends creates opportunities for people to rediscover the joy, pleasure, spirituality, rest, and transcendence that Shabbat allow us to cultivate.   

We do not believe there is only one way to observe or experience Shabbat. The Shabbat at the Center initiative is designed to offer multiple pathways into Shabbat life. Each pathway is also an opportunity to build community, deepen friendships, and find common purpose and shared joy. In a time marked by division, uncertainty, and the isolating pressures of hurried, distracted lives, Shabbat offers a way to reconnect with one another and with what matters most. 

Practically speaking, Shabbat at the Center is organized around three traditional ways of gathering and sharing Shabbat with others. All of these gatherings include one of the most beloved features of Shabbat: sharing food and enjoying festive meals in honor of the Sabbath. 

Shabbat at the Center 

Monthly Schedule

First Shabbat of the Month:  Prayer Gatherings Minyan Midbar, now under the auspices of Shabbat with Friends, meets on the first Shabbat of each month. November Gathering: Friday, November 6, Kabbalat Shabbatservices followed by a Shabbat dinner.  Second Shabbat of the Month:  Musical Shabbat Gatherings  These gatherings celebrate Shabbatthrough joyful singing of Jewish folk songs, nigunim, and traditional table songs.  November Gathering: Join us for an afternoon of music, singing, fellowship, and feasting, hosted by Ethan Stone and Becca Sheff.   Saturday, November 14

Third Shabbat of the Month:  Learning Gatherings  These gatherings are devoted to Torah study, Jewish learning, and rich conversation.  November Gathering: Rabbi Dov's first Shabbat Learning Intensive  Saturday, November 21  What Is the Jewish View of Legitimate Political Authority? Positive and Negative Examples from Jewish History  Fourth Shabbat of the Month  At this time, we are not organizing community-wide Shabbat activities on the fourth Shabbat of the month.  More details and registration information will come out in the coming days. Or check the calendar on the Shabbat with Friends website: https://shabbatwithfriends.org.

Shabbat Circles

In addition to these monthly gatherings, Shabbat with Friends supports Shabbat Circles: small groups that gather on Shabbat around shared interests, life stages, or friendships.

Our current active Shabbat Circles include: 

• Young Family Shabbat Circle 

• Nigun Song Circle 

If you are interested in joining a Shabbat Circle or helping to convene one, please contact Rabbi Dov. We encourage you to speak directly with him about getting involved by contacting him at dov@shabbatwithfriends.org or 505 500-9040. You can use this link to set up a conversation: Calendly - Rabbi Dov Gartenberg, Shabbat with Friends NM