Havdalah
Join the CCM family on Saturday, December 3, from 6-7:30pm for an engaging evening of Havdalah, with singing, Havdalah crafts, games, fun and pizza dinner! (Click on the Havdalah image below to RSVP now!)
Hosted by: Contra Costa Midrasha's Havdalah Outreach Project and Congregation B'nai Tikvah
When and Where: Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 6-7:30pm at B'nai Tikvah - 25 Hillcroft Way in Walnut Creek.
Food? Contra Costa Midrasha will bring the pizza, we ask that you help with potluck-style salad, drinks and/or dessert.
RSVP by Nov. 29th by clicking here. Please include in your RSVP e-mail note how many people (from your family) are coming.
Who is welcome?
- 7th grade students and parents from Congregation B'nai Tikvah
- B'nai Tikvah congregants who want to join in the evening's festivities
- Any B'nai Tikvah teens
- Contra Costa Midrasha "Havdalah Outreach Project" teens
What is this event?
B'nai Tikvah and Contra Costa Midrasha are partnering this year to provide a new kind of graduation experience for the 7th grade class. The goal is to celebrate together and enjoy in each other's accomplishments with food, song and Havdalah. The morning will include interactive games, Havdalah crafts and an engaging, multi-generational experience of Havdalah, lead by Midrasha teens.
What is *Havdalah?
Havdalah is the Jewish ceremony that begins when 3 stars come out. It marks the symbolic end of Shabbat and ushers in the new week. It is often accompanied by singing and celebrating and is often a highlight of Midrasha retreats. One goal of the Havdalah ceremony is to try to bring some of the peace we aim to find on Shabbat and bring it into our normal week. Since Havdalah often happens in a circle of friends and/or family, it can be an opportunity for togetherness and sharing.
Why do Midrasha teens love Havdalah so much?
Havdalah is a special time on Midrasha retreats. Our songleader, Eric Schoen, plays the guitar and leads a procession outside, under the stars, where we celebrate the end of Shabbat together. The teens put their arms around each other, they hum, sing, laugh and enjoy. Many say it's where they feel most united together. We aim to bring that feeling to all of you!
Why do we participate in Havdalah?
Havdalah serves as an opportunity to identify feelings of holiness and peace. It's a chance to say thank you, to look forward to the new week and to reflect on the week that just passed. Since the tradition also invites us to say blessings, it's also a place to sing, celebrate and enjoy.
About Contra Costa Midrasha's Havdalah Outreach Program (HOP):
Over the course of the 2011-2012 year, CCM teens in the Havdalah elective constructed an event program night and lead it with 6th & 7th grade students and their families at each of CCM's three partner synagogues, Beth Chaim, B'nai Shalom and B'nai Tikvah.
Each evening will include Havdalah, singing, games, food and fun! Additionally, the evening will include a separate learning session about Midrasha for adults only.
Funded by Legacy Heritage Fund through Brandeis University's Institute for Informal Jewish Education, this new program at CCM is providing our teens with knowledge about Havdalah and leadership skills to create a Havdalah event night for younger students to experience the *Havdalah ceremony at their home congregations with each other and their parents.
The next Havdalah dates are as follows:
- January 28, 2012 - Beth Chaim
- March 17, 2012 - B'nai Shalom
More Information about the Havdalah Outreach Project: Call the Contra Costa Midrasha office at 925/944-4701 or e-mail at office@ccmidrasha.com.
For more information about Havdalah, we recommend this article, "Havdalah: Taking Leave of Shabbat" by Susan Silverman.
