Shabbat was literally “a walk in the park” on Friday, August 2nd as hundreds of diverse community members of all ages celebrated during Shabbat in the Park, an outpouring of Jewish communal pride and spirit at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills that brought our shared Jewish values to life. The highlight of the observance was a unique Shabbat service collaboratively led by clergy of multiple Valley synagogues. The evening featured arts and crafts, a drum circle and a concert with musician Ari Herstand. Pre-schoolers celebrated with age-appropriate activities at the PJ Library booth.
S. Alan Rosen and Rochelle Cohen, The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, and other Valley Alliance lay leaders, along with Federation President & CEO Jay Sanderson and Executive Vice President Carol Koransky, were given the honor of lighting Shabbat candles at the opening of the service. Check out some of the highlights in our photo gallery:
The event was funded primarily by a grant from The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance. We thank our partnering organizations: Adat Ari El, Congregation Or Ami, Congregation Shir Ami, Shalom Institute, Shomrei Torah Synagogue, Temple Ahavat Shalom, Temple Aliyah, Temple Beth Hillel, Temple Judea, Temple Kol Tikvah, and Valley Beth Shalom.
“It was a thrill to join with the Federation and all the other program partners in our mutual desire to build and sustain community,” said Rabbi Jon Hanish of Temple Kol Tikvah. “Clearly, it was an evening enjoyed by all, and I look forward to other opportunities for such meaningful and joyous collaboration.”
Looking for the next opportunity to celebrate Shabbat as a community? Sign-up now to host a Shabbat dinner for your friends and family on Friday, October 25th as part of our Federation’s 1,000 Shabbat Celebrations! We’ll send you a free “Shabbat in a Box” including a freshly-designed challah cover to inspire us to take stock of Shabbat’s 39 melachot (“creative tasks”), an updated set of Shabbat cards with inspirational quotes, blessings and recipes; a hip fridge magnet to remind you that Shabbat is always just around the corner; a kid-friendly tzedakah box and much more.
