Last year’s Community Shabbat Dinner at the JCC was such a huge success, with more than 100 people in attendance, it seemed only fitting to have another.
This year’s event, which is hosted by Tracy and Mark Geller, Lisa and Howard Kaplin, Carol and Paul Levitch and Kim and Scott Norton, will be Friday, January 31, at 6 p.m. in the JCC auditorium.
Families are encouraged to enjoy a kosher Shabbat dinner, songs, crafts and a scavenger hunt.
Tzivia Levin Kalmes, development director who is helping organize the event, is looking forward to this unique Shabbat experience. “It’s a nice opportunity to celebrate Shabbat with people who may attend different congregations or may not belong to any congregation,” she said. The experience can bring families closer to their Judaism and involve their children in the celebration.
Families can bring their Shabbat candlesticks and challah covers so they can include some of their personal Shabbat practice to the evening. And for dessert, it’s all hands on deck. Participants will to decorate their own cookies.
“The Community Shabbat was a huge success last year and the feedback from all participants was really positive,” said Tracy Geller, who helped spearhead last year’s dinner. “There is a need and a desire among many of us for there to be a neutral forum to host a community event like this. We want our children to enjoy and appreciate spending time with their families and other families in the Jewish community, regardless of affiliation, and celebrate Shabbat. We are hoping for another fabulous turnout and encourage everyone to help spread the word.”
The dinner will cost $13 for adults and $7 for children before Jan. 13. Afterwards, the cost increases to $15 and $8. RSVP by contacting Mary Jean Timmel at 238-2722 or mjtimmel@jewishlouisville.org or register online at jewishlouisville.org/shabbat.