INAUGURATING SHABBAT AT THE CENTER: SWF's Expanded Shabbat Programming

A Message by Rabbi Dov Gartenberg to the Shabbat with Friends Community

Shabbat at the Center begins this coming Shabbat, Shabbat Bereishit (Genesis 1-6) on Friday eve October 9 through Saturday nightfall, October 10.  What makes this initiative unique is the rich variety of Shabbat experiences it offers to both individuals and the broader community. While many synagogues rightly place worship services at the center of their Shabbat programming, SWF seeks to broaden the ways people can enter the spirit of the day. Our goal is to create multiple pathways for experiencing the joy, renewal, connection, and spiritual uplift that Shabbat can bring.

We hope to inspire people to discover the profound value and meaning of Shabbat in their lives. Shabbat offers beauty, depth, rest, transcendence, and connection, and there are many ways to awaken a love for it. For some, it may be found through prayer, singing, study, or meditation. For others, it may emerge through meaningful conversation, shared meals, friendship, companionship, reading, or a leisurely walk. Shabbat at the Center invites people to discover or rediscover Shabbat through a variety of experiences that nourish the soul and strengthen community. I also hope that the relationships and communities nurtured through this initiative will make Shabbat even more meaningful for those of us blessed to live in the Land of Enchantment.

A Summary of Our Shabbat Offerings

Sabbath with Friends Gatherings

These gatherings take place in homes and are centered around one of the traditional Shabbat meals: Friday evening dinner, Shabbat lunch, or the late Saturday afternoon meal. Many gatherings will feature musicians and vocalists who invite participants to experience the ancient and joyful practice of Shabbat table singing. Sabbath with Friends gatherings are designed to make it easy to meet new people, deepen friendships, and cultivate a warm sense of community.

Torah with Friends: Shabbat Learning

Torah with Friends brings people together for enriching, engaging, and thought-provoking Torah study. Rabbi Dov and guest teachers will offer both one-time classes and multi-session learning series. All learning opportunities will also be accessible to remote participants, allowing people to study and connect wherever they are.

Shabbat Prayer

SWF is expanding its offerings to include Shabbat prayer services through the newly formed Minyan Midbar (The Desert Minyan). The minyan will offer a soulful and spiritually meaningful approach to Shabbat prayer, welcoming Jews of all backgrounds. Participants will have opportunities to deepen their understanding of Jewish prayer, explore Jewish spirituality, and become more familiar with the traditions and rhythms of Jewish worship.

Small Group Shabbat Circles

Shabbat Circles are small groups that gather around a shared interest, life stage, or dimension of Shabbat practice. Similar to a havurah but with an open-door philosophy, these circles continually welcome new participants and encourage the growth of new friendships and connections. Below are several circles that have already formed, along with others that SWF is helping to launch.

Young Families Shabbat Circle

Young Families Shabbat Circle

Designed for families seeking meaningful Shabbat experiences together, this circle provides opportunities for parents and children to celebrate, learn, and build lasting Shabbat memories. SWF also encourages community members to create new circles that reflect their own interests, needs, and passions.

Nigun Shabbat Song Circle

This circle gathers to sing together and explore the rich musical traditions of Shabbat, including nigunim (wordless melodies), Shabbat prayers, and table songs. Participants need no musical background, only a willingness to join in the joy of communal singing.

Shabbat Conversation Circle

A gathering for thoughtful and engaging conversation, this circle fosters meaningful dialogue on timely and significant topics in a warm Shabbat setting. Participants are invited to listen deeply, share openly, and learn from one another.

Shabbat Beginners Circle

This circle is designed for individuals and households interested in building or strengthening a Shabbat practice. Participants will learn the traditions of Shabbat hospitality, meals, and home observance, while also enjoying opportunities to bake, cook, prepare, and beautify their homes for Shabbat.

Shabbat Outdoors Circle

For those who experience the sacred through nature, this circle explores Shabbat as a time to appreciate God's creation. Participants gather for outdoor activities that honor the spirit of Shabbat while fostering gratitude, wonder, and a deeper connection to the natural world that sustains us.

Details about these gatherings and circles will be posted regularly on the Shabbat with Friends website.  You can easily attend by registering on the calendar tab. Please don't hesitate to chat or meet with me about your reactions and ideas. It's easy to make an in-person or virtual appointment with me using my calendly scheduler.

Rabbi Dov Gartenberg

Convener Shabbat with Friends NM