| JCC’s got Shabbat? Brings Together Fun, Family, and Tradition |
|
For Immediate ReleaseAugust 26, 2008 On Shabbat afternoons, Chicagoland families can get into the spirit of Shabbat with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Chicago’s free, family-oriented got Shabbat? program. On Saturday afternoons each week, the JCC partners with a different local synagogue to actively engage and connect families to celebrate Shabbat with songs, crafts, snacks, and a variety of entertainers. The intent is to engage the families with an entertainer, varying from storytellers to jugglers, and a craft project for children and families to do together. But at each event, Shabbat customs are observed, such as not writing or using electronics, and can include singing Shabbat songs and participating in a Havdallah service. Havdallah marks the symbolic end of Shabbat and ushers in the new week. The got Shabbat? program is a way for families to incorporate Judaism into their lives and to feel comfortable with Shabbat participation. Shabbat is a day of celebration as well as one of prayer. It is a time for nuclear families to spend time together and to enjoy the company of extended family and community in a relaxed atmosphere. Engaging in pleasurable activities such as eating, singing, and spending time with the community are as much part of observing Shabbat as prayer. The got Shabbat? program began five years ago as a way for synagogues and the community to join together on Shabbat afternoons. By hosting the program in various synagogues, unaffiliated families (those without active synagogue memberships) can feel comfortable walking into any synagogue. “For some families, it’s their first Jewish experience,” said JCC’s got Shabbat? coordinator, Susan Ellenby. “But it’s the kind of event where there’s no pressure.” Participants have utilized the program in various ways over the years. There is a father who brings his children to the got Shabbat? program every weekend, wherever it is being held. Grandparents arrange to meet their grandchildren. Families develop friendships. “It’s really an intrinsic aspect of what the JCC is,” said one got Shabbat? mother, Shari Gottlieb. This program is available to the community free of charge. It is made possible by a Jewish Federation Priority Grant and the Jewish Community Center of Chicago. For more information, contact Susan Ellenby at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 847-412-4225.
Media Contact:Rachel Ritter |