Major News from Rabbi Dov Gartenberg and Shabbat with Friends NM
By Rabbi Dov Gartenberg | Erev Yom Kippur, Motzei Shabbat, September 19, 2026
Dear friends, I wish each of you a Shanah Tovah and Gemar Hatimah Tovah as we enter the Day of Atonement this evening. Because of the length of the full announcement, I will send it over the coming week in segments. Here is the first part, which I am sending on Sunday morning, before Kol Nidre. RDG
A Major Change in My Personal Life
Throughout my rabbinate, I have tried to make room for Torah study and continuing education—not only for the courses I teach, but also for what the rabbis call Torah lishmah, learning for its own sake. Learning has always brought me joy, renewed my spirit, and helped me grow as both a person and a rabbi.
Since my youth, I have also been fascinated by comparative religion. My early study of Eastern traditions ultimately led me back to Judaism with fresh eyes and contributed significantly to my decision to become a rabbi.
I am delighted to share that I now have a special opportunity to renew that interest. I have been accepted into the Master’s Program in Eastern Classics at St. John’s College in Santa Fe and began studying part-time a few weeks ago, before the Yamim Noraim. This semester, I am exploring the Chinese classics, including Confucius and Mencius. I already find myself comparing these thinkers with the rabbinic classicPirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), and I am excited to see where this creative encounter will lead.
Studying part-time will allow me to continue the work I cherish with Shabbat with Friends and to welcome the newly formed Minyan Midbar—Desert Minyan into our offerings. It will also require me to reducesome other rabbinic activities. I want to use this transition thoughtfully, focusing our energy on the programs and relationships that bring us together most deeply.
Shabbat with Friends Will Become Shabbat-Centered
From now on, my rabbinic efforts will focus almost entirely on Shabbat. Each month, SWF will share a schedule of activities with many ways for us to experience Shabbat together—with joy, friendship, meaning, and spiritual renewal.
Perhaps you will join us for a sacred meal, lift your voice in Jewish song, explore Torah in conversation, or pray with a soulful community. We are not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, we hope to make Shabbat more beloved, joyful, transcendent, communal, and central in our lives. Shabbat stands at the heart of 3,700 years of Jewish experience and remains one of Judaism’s most beautiful gifts to humanity.
Part 2 which details SWF's new Shabbat-Centric approach will appear on Tuesday, September 22nd.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
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