Usher in Shabbat at the Dwares JCC

People have many different ways of celebrating Shabbat. Some attend synagogue with their families, and some attend services alone. Some people have a festive family meal together, and others make ha-motzi as a group, but then eat at their leisure. Some choose to make Shabbat all about family, which could include something as simple as watching a movie together. There are some people who will argue that there are right and wrong ways to celebrate Shabbat, but many would agree that the important thing about observing Shabbat is that you are doing something different from all the other days in the week, making it a little extra special and recognizing it as a sacred time.

At the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, we would also like to make Shabbat a little extra special and recognize it as a sacred time by providing a place for community members to congregate for a wonderful meal and a variety of activities. The first-ever “Shabbat Shabbang” will take place on Nov. 21 at the Dwares JCC. The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with tasty appetizers in our lobby and a musical welcome from Pastrami on RI, Rhode Island’s only co-ed a cappella group.

A family-style kosher dinner will be served, beginning at 6 p.m., and will include challah, salad, roasted chicken, red bliss potatoes, seasonal vegetables and dessert. Chicken fingers and french fries will also be available for children. Shabbat blessings and songs will be sung throughout dinner led by Pastrami on RI and Camp JORI. After-dinner activities will include:

A cappella/sing-along workshop for children and adults: Learn the science behind a cappella singing and join Pastrami on RI, Rhode Island’s co-ed Jewish a cappella group, for a family friendly sing-along.

Gaga Challenge: Join the fun in the gym as both children and adults participate in the game that has been called Israeli dodgeball. There will be a separate gaga pit for adults and children.

Crafting:  Create Shabbat-friendly crafts using a variety of materials.

 Gaming: Test your skills at various games, including Bananagrams, Settlers of Catan, Apples to Apples, Life-sized Jenga and more.

The price for this event is $15 for adults, and $7 for children with a $36 maximum per family. Contact Michelle Cicchitelli to register, mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext 178.

MICHELLE CICCHITELLI is the director of Jewish Life at the Jewish Alliance.