The main sanctuary at The Temple was filled to overflowing on Friday, November 7, as more than 500 people from across the community came out to share in the Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Rabbi Esteban Gottfried and a group of Israeli musicians and singers that make up Beit Tefilah Israeli.
As soon as the service began, members of the group had everyone singing – learning new songs, joining in with familiar ones, clapping, moving and even dancing up and down the aisles.
Much of the service focused on the opening psalms and songs to welcome Shabbat, although many elements of the traditional Friday night service were incorporated. The service captured the spirit the group’s congregation in Tel Aviv experiences every week.
The Temple and Temple Shalom hosted the service and the preceding dinner that drew 250. Beit Tefilah Israeli’s appearance was made possible by the Janet and Sonny Meyer Youth Cultural Program Fund.