This article by President Kathy Chaikin Bernstein first appeared in the May-June Bulletin:
As I write this column Passover is just around the corner. This week at Shabbat morning services, I realized we are almost finished with the prayer for rain we say during the Amidah. It’s daylight savings time (a bit early, perhaps) and the seasons are definitely changing.
Along with the change of seasons, we are seeing some changes at our own synagogue. This past Friday night we celebrated our first Intergenerational Shabbat. Members of the board and other congregants provided rides for seniors so they could join our special celebration. Parents with young children joined together before services to share snacks and songs. Then we all moved into the sanctuary for Kabbalat Shabbat. We used our new children’s siddurim as David Morgenstern and our Religious School 5th graders led us in prayer and song.
We were there together, multiple generations not necessarily related by birth but all part of the BIJ family. We were there together enjoying a healthful Shabbat meal (lovingly prepared by BIJ members) and being beguiled by special stories from Bruce Bierman and our very own Rabbi Rosalind. Little ones were running around the Social Hall and into the sanctuary as our older members looked on with pleasure.
It was so wonderful to see the diversity of our community all there in one place celebrating the joy of Shabbat together. Thanks so much to Rabbi, Shelley Karpaty, and David Morgenstern for making this such a memorable event.
Families with pre-school and school-aged children have an important role to play in the future of our synagogue. A group of parents met a few weeks ago to talk about ways BIJ could become a more welcoming home for them and their pre-schoolers. Stay tuned for more information about Tot Shabbats—Saturday mornings at the synagogue for BIJ parents and young children. A wonderful group of parents will be working with Rabbi, Cantor, and the rest of our staff to make this happen.
If you are interested in finding out more and want to get involved, please contact Linda Park for more information. This is not only an opportunity for parents but a great place for grandparents to take their grandchildren on Shabbat morning.
Let’s also remember our seniors. We are so fortunate to have the gift of Shabbat. Every week. If you are able to drive at night, don’t forget those members of our BIJ family who would love to join you on Friday nights but are just not comfortable making the drive themselves.
Please call the office and ask them who might need a ride. Call your BIJ bubbies and zaydies. Let’s make every Shabbat an Intergenerational Shabbat at BIJ.