The Shabbos Project
Background:
The Shabbos Project – Worldwide Jewish Unity – is the brainchild of the South African Jewish community and was first run there in 2013. In 2014, it was observed worldwide.
On October 23rd-24th 2015, Parshas Lech Lecha, Congregation Ohav Emet (OE) of Highland Park, NJ together with Center for Return (CFR) will be hosting a few minyanim of non-observant Jews who will have been recruited by us to experience the warmth and beauty of Shabbos.
Rabbi Kaufman of OE has invited Rabbi Avrohom Kahn, the director of Center for Return, and his entire organization to guide the Highland Park community on how best to produce the most successful Shabbos Project. CFR has thirty five years of experience in Jewish outreach with several OE members themselves having benefited from CFR's kiruv efforts.
Rabbi Kahn was the Scholar in Residence for OE on Shabbos Parshas Re’eh (Aug. 14th-15th) and introduced the Shabbos Project at three minyanim and through a 45 minute Q&A period before Mincha.
Currently, a shul committee has been formed under Rabbi Kaufman to coordinate with Center for Return on both the recruitment and logistical details of this upcoming Shabbos Project.
Rabbi Kahn explained that the success of the Shabbos Project rests on three things: Recruitment, recruitment, recruitment.
Recruitment:
This is a unique opportunity for us all to reach out to all Jews and invite them to experience Shabbos in our community of Highland Park.
Who can be targeted for recruitment to the Shabbos Project?
We would like you to reach out to: 1. Neighbors, 2. Relatives, 3. Business Acquaintances, 4. Anyone in your social circle who you are friendly with.
What should you tell them?
You would like to have them come for a Shabbos because: It would be an opportunity to share quality time with them and make a statement of worldwide Jewish unity through participation in the warmth and beauty of Shabbos.
Please do not engage in any religious indoctrination. Let the participants themselves view and hopefully feel the beauty and warmth of Judaism.
Should you share your recruitment efforts, (successes, failures and attempts) with anyone else?
Absolutely! You should be giving information, even about your recruiting attempts, to the OE committee, and you can always speak with Center for Return @ 718-849-6787 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at any time for suggestions and guidance. We have to know what’s going on throughout the campaign in order to make it successful.
All attendees/participants must be registered with the OE committee or the Center for Return.
The committee must know and confirm independently with every person their registration for the Shabbos Project, in order to make proper arrangements.
What particulars can I tell prospective invitees about the Shabbos?
Hosting: If guests are not local, either you or the Synagogue will arrange housing for them with a Highland Park family.
Cost to participants: None
What is expected of an Invitee? 1. Be part of and benefit from the entire program. 2. Make a statement of worldwide Jewish unity by participating in the warmth and beauty of Shabbos.
Can Invitees come for part of the programming? If they live in the neighborhood, i.e. within walking distance, absolutely, yes. If they do not live within walking distance, we cannot cause anyone to drive on Shabbos, but all halachic questions should be addressed to Rabbi Kahn.
What will be the Shabbos schedule? (Times are approximate - not set in stone, all events are at OE)
Friday, October 23
• 5:35 PM - Candle Lighting Celebration - A brief explanation of the beauty of the tradition of lighting candles to usher in the Sabbath, followed by:
• 5:48 PM – Candle Lighting. Sunset is approximately 6:06 PM so anyone recruited must leave work early in order to join us for shabbos.
• 5:55 PM - Beginner’s Kabbalat Shabbat prayer service - Welcome the Shabbos with lively singing, joyous chanting and a meaningful explanation of the prayer service.
• 7:10 PM Dinner with program for guests and their recruiters featuring guest speakers and lively singing of traditional Shabbos tunes.
• 10:00-11:00 PM - Shabbos Oneg – get acquainted with the community.
Saturday, October 24
• 9:30-11:30 AM - Special guided Shabbat service for guests and their hosts with explanation, demonstration and the presentation of a Torah scroll.
• 11:45 AM-12:45 PM Kiddush with the whole community in the main social hall
• Communal Lunch
• 2:30-4:30 PM - Guided walking tour of the community
• 4:35-5:30 PM - Scholar in Residence Rabbi Hershel Reichman
• 5:30 PM - Mincha with OE members helping guests with prayer service
• 6:00 PM Shalosh Seudos with community
• 6:50 PM - Maariv
• 7:05-7:20 PM - Havdalah service – Singing and dancing
