Shabbat of Light

We're closing the 2024 calendar year with a special weekend of events called Shabbat of Light! Join us for a range of exciting gatherings to connect and celebrate Shabbat, Chanukah, and community before winter break! View the details below and sign-up to bring warmth and light to the darkest time of the year.  

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13TH

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE - 7:30 pm 

Come gather for spirited Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv services featuring a d'var Torah by Mara Block and an oneg reception sponsored by Maureen & Robert David. 

Register for Friday Night Live  

saturDAY, DECEMBER 14TH

SHELTER SHABBAT - 9 Am 

We are pleased to honor Rebecca's Tent: Spiegel Women's Shelter at Shearith Israel and its board and hear from a former shelter resident about its meaningful work on behalf of the unhoused community. The recognition will take place during Shabbat morning services, followed by a kiddush luncheon sponsored by the board of Rebecca's Tent.

"CAMP shabbat" YOUTH-LED ALT SERVICE WITH CHAI FIVE - 10:20 AM

Missing summer camp? This week's unique ALT Service will be youth-led and camp-style, so gather with Ori Salzberg, Erin Chernow, our Chai Five participants, and others for a fun, ruach-filled service featuring the top hits from Camp Ramah Darom. Participants are encouraged to wear a camp t-shirt, spirit wear, or what one might wear to Shabbat services at camp.

From the Frontlines: Diplomacy and Strengthening the US-Israel Relationship - Shabbat morning service + Kiddush lunch & learn 

Join us to hear from Nadav Tamir, a distinguished diplomat and former Israeli Consul General to New England. As a former senior advisor to President Shimon Peres, Nadav brings decades of experience in Israeli foreign policy, peace-building, and innovation. He will share insights from his remarkable career and lead an engaging discussion on strengthening the US-Israel relationship. Nadav will speak during the main service and host a Lunch and Learn during Kiddush—don’t miss this important conversation!

prayer conversations - 5 pM

All are invited to participate in our series of conversations about the history and culture of tefilah at Shearith Israel. The conversations will begin one hour before Havdalah, include a light 3rd meal of shabbat, and be followed by Ma'ariv and Havdalah. The topic of this session's discussion is Music.

Learn more and Register Here

kadima / youth havdalah & bonfire - 6:30 pM

Our middle school youth group, Kadima, will enjoy and host a camp-style Havdalah and bonfire to close out our Shabbat of Light. All youth are welcome to come participate in this fun evening together! 

Register Here

sunDAY, DECEMBER 15TH

cSi chanukah party - 11:15 am - 1 pm 

Our annual Chanukah party is back, replete with Men's Club's famous latkes, sufganiyot, a musical song session led by Ori Salzberg, and a fun gathering for all ages! The cost is $10 per family unit (or individual.)

Register Here

Sparks of light - 5 pm

Get ready for the annual Sparks of Light Chanukah celebration in tandem with a Summer Experience Expo! Guests will enjoy a unique community event that combines the festive spirit of Chanukah with an exciting opportunity to explore the best in Jewish summer programs for kids, tweens, and teens. Admission is free, but registration is required by Monday, December 9th.

Learn more and Register Here

Sisterhood chanukah party - 6 pm

Sisterhood's annual Chanukah party will take place at a congregant's home and include food (potluck), drinks, candles, and the White Elephant gift exchange.

Learn more and Register Here