Why is shabbat
meaningful to you?
The smell of chicken soup simmering on the stove, the first bite of warm challah or the light emanating from the lit candles, these
are just a few ways that Shabbat can bring joy to a Jewish life by disconnecting from a busy week.

As a way to share in the day of rest as a community, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is hosting Shabbat Gatherings
across the region in honor of Israel’s 75 th anniversary on April 28-29. From large community Shabbat events to young adult groups
to private functions in homes – everyone is invited to participate in the collective Jewish experience.

“Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish community will join together with Jews around the world to blend countless different customs
into one Shabbat as we celebrate yet another milestone illustrating the resilience of our people,” said Max Moline, director of
community development at the Jewish Federation.

In anticipation of these community-wide celebrations, we asked some of the event leadership why Shabbat is meaningful to them.

“Shabbat is meaningful to our
family, because it provides a
regular opportunity to connect
with each other and with our
community while temporarily
disconnecting from work and
school. We enjoy making each
Shabbat unique with themed
meals and by talking about the
weekly Torah portion.”
Yoella Epstein & Jeremy Kriger
Israel 75 Shabbat Gatherings Chairs
Meredith & Stephen Moss, Israel
75 Shabbat Gatherings Chairs
“Shabbos is also a time for me to be with family. I am
blessed to be able to have Shabbos dinners with my
wife and my 95-year-old father. Every Shabbos, I sing
the Aishes Chayil, A Woman of Valor, to my wife as a
way to thank her for everything she does for me and
how we have built a life together.”
“Shabbat is a break from the busy week, providing quality time
for us to be together as a family. We love sharing our Shabbat
traditions, like freshly baked challah and a kiddush fountain,
with friends and then leisurely eating Shabbat dinner together.

Between the light from the candles and the joy around a table,
Shabbat gives us joyful, Jewish experiences as a family.”
Nason Russ, Israel 75 Shabbat Gatherings Committee Member
Lysa Puma, Israel 75 Shabbat Gatherings Committee Member
Ready to share the meaning of Shabbat with your
neighborhood? In honor of Israel 75, join the Jewish Federation
by celebrating Shabbat in Greater Philadelphia with your
family, friends and community on Friday, April 28 and
Saturday, April 29, 2023 at israel75.jewishphilly.org/shabbat.

10 “Shabbat is a time for our
family to all be together and
share things that happened
during the week. We like
inviting friends over to
enjoy the special dinner and
Jewish traditions together.”
APRIL 20, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT