2,000 Shabbat kits distributed in advance of Shabbat on Friday, April 1.
(Courtesy of Friendship Circle) At a time of uncertainty around the world, and as a war rages overseas, thousands of Jews in the Livingston area will “Celebrate Shabbat @Home” on Friday evening, April 1, to pray for peace, blessing and light. This new initiative is being coordinated by Chabad of Livingston and Friendship Circle.
Participants will receive a Shabbat box with everything needed to celebrate the day of rest, including Shabbat candles, kiddush (grape juice, wine and special cup), two loaves of challah, cards with step-by-step directions and more.
“The Celebrate Shabbat @Home project is an opportunity to gather in your home with your family and yet join together with the entire community,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of Friendship Circle and Chabad of Livingston. “Shabbat candle-lighting and the recitation of kiddush are special times to pray for peace and harmony for the entire world.”
Celebrate Shabbat @Home is brainchild of Livingston resident Eric Zoller, whose parents insisted that everyone in the family celebrate Shabbat together—with candle-lighting, kiddush and challah—even if they had plans afterward. It is a tradition that he and his family continue each week.
“I want to show my friends and the entire Jewish community how easy it is to celebrate your Judaism,” he said. “We live in a world of sound bites. People are distracted in their time and attention, and they cut out things that they think are most difficult to keep up with. But Judaism isn’t difficult. It’s unique to your being, and there are lots of different ways to express your Judaism and it doesn’t always need to be in a synagogue. It can be in your home.”
Shabbat @Home was inspired by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory, who taught that even a little bit of light can dispel much darkness. The timing of Celebrate Shabbat is tied to the 120th anniversary of his birthday. The Rebbe’s actual birthday is the 11th of Nissan in the Hebrew calendar, which this year falls on Tuesday, April 12.
“At a time when the world faces the dark clouds of war and strife, it is important to add light and unity,” said Grossbaum. “In addition to sending support to the people of Ukraine and praying for their safety, we need to add mitzvot and acts of lovingkindness.”
Area synagogues are partnering in this program and encouraging congregants to mark Shabbat on April 1.
An estimated 50,000 Jews live in Essex County, which includes Livingston. Celebrate Shabbat kits are being given out free of charge to Jewish residents of Livingston, West Orange, Short Hills and the Caldwells.
More information on Celebrate Shabbat @Home can be found at www.celebrateshabbat.com.
