| Women's Spirituality Group Micki Mallinson, Leader
When we think of Shabbat, different images come to mind; a bride, prayers, light, reflection, family, food, rest. However we envision Shabbat, we can all agree that it is truly a precious gift from God. This is our time to rest from the physical world and begin our inward focus; a time to meditate on our family and friends, ourselves and our souls. A time to thank God for our many blessings.
It is our most important ritual observance, the only one found in the Ten Commandments. Shabbat itself involves two commandments: to observe and to remember. We not only remember to observe Shabbat, but also, we remember its significance. We were given our freedom from Egypt. Due to Shabbat’s significance, Barbara Samuels and I ask you to join us for a year of Shabbat. Light candles, drink wine, eat Challah, participate in a service, and help us delve into the beauty that is Shabbat; our “She-bat Shabbat.” Meetings will be the 2nd Monday of every month (except February), at 7:00 pm
October 11 Lighting the Way November 8 Chanukah Toiletry Drive December 13 Fruit of the Vine January 10 Beyond the Fringe with Rabbi February 7 Breaking Bread March 14 Sounds of Shabbat with Cantor Manny April 11 Meditations of the Heart with Eva May 9 A Taste of Shabbat Approximately ten years ago, our then Cantorial Soloist and Religious School Director, Debbie Haifetz, began the Women’s Spirituality Group. Since that time, our group has gone through many changes, various leaders (Eva Abramczyk, Barbara Samuels, Judy Bernstein, and myself), and different interpretations of “spirituality.”
What I have learned over the last several years is that we each have our own unique and personal paths which lead us to discover our individual sense of spirituality. On this journey, some of us find our inspiration through meditation. Still others discover praying, studying, humor, art and music, and even exercise as their way to connect with their spiritual selves. I believe it isn’t so much how we experience it, but rather, to recognize that spark in ourselves and where our place is in the divine realm.
This past year we took turns leading the group. And both Rabbi and Cantor Manny presented their views, as well. We offered diverse views on spirituality. And because of that, we learned from one another the many roads that have been taken to search for and contemplate our connectedness with ourselves, our families, our group, and with the cosmos. We have learned that we are a strong group of Jewish women who are continuously evolving and learning from one another. I thank you all for being on my path, my journey, and constantly inspiring me.
L’hitraot
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