Submitted by Friday Night Shabbat
As summer winds down, Friday Night Shabbat is just gearing up. With record attendance at the last two dinners, more families are gathering to celebrate shabbat together as a community. The Mayerson Jewish Community Center hosted Friday Night Shabbat dinner on August 18, with over 200 parents and children filling their Amberley room. While people connected with old friends and met new ones, children enjoyed arts and crafts and jumping in the bounce house. Behind the play area, families ate and drank around at the many tables. The menu was popular — baked salmon, fresh salad, bourekas, steamed vegetables for adults and a kids’ buffet with pasta, vegetarian meatballs, sauce, and salad. A large variety of cookies were set out for dessert. The event went from 5:30-7:30 PM, and many participants came at the start and stayed until the very end.
On August 25, Friday Night Shabbat was celebrated at Rockwern Academy. More than 200 attendees had a meal together in Eden Hall. Children played outside on the playground and enjoyed arts and crafts activities indoors. Families gathered around tables with grape juice and challah for everyone and participated in the Shabbat blessings. Parents caught up with familiar friends, fellow Rockwern graduates, and new community and staff members. The menu was a delicious selection of three types of pizza, two different salads, string beans, and a Kona Ice truck for dessert. Families enjoyed the food, company, and Shabbat atmosphere. With Friday Night Shabbat entering its second year and gaining 501(c)(3) status, we would love to hear back from you: we are looking for feedback from both participants and those who have not attended a dinner, to get your thoughts about initiative. We want to find out what can be improved and how we can reach out to other young families in the Cincinnati Jewish Community so they can attend the dinners as well! You can send us your feedback on our website. The next three dinners will be held on Friday, October 6 at the ish garage, Friday October 13 at Rockwern Academy and on Friday October 20 at Wise Temple.
