I awakened this morning feeling rested, truly rested, and I lay in bed reflecting on one of the best Friday evenings I have had n a long time. My face felt like it could split with my smile. It truly is Shabbat Shalom, I said aloud,
Shabbat is the time when, in Jewish tradition, we separate from the week and welcome a 25 hour period of rest (I'll explain that some other time for those who don't know why it is 25 instead of 24 hours). In today's crazy busy world, we surely need this ancient spiritual practice. On February 2, 2024 we used this gift to welcome Black History Month and bring together Black and/or Jewish people. aroud one table (10 adults and 4 youth) in a private home overlooking San Diego.
Shabbat Shalom!
What a raucous and joyful, deeply spiritual and delicious time it was for us. There was good food and wine, lots of laughter (some of us, who had never met before, had had "interesting" and disturbing experiences at The Hallmark Inn in Nashville, TN). It was all introduced with kiddush and hamotzi blessings and prayers and song led by the couple who hosted us in their home. We networked and made new friends. It IS a small world after all when you break bread together.
The goal is to unite Black and/or Jewish San Diegans over a common love of film, food, music and art. We can have the conversations that include the questions we may otherwise be reluctant to ask. We can learn for one another and sispel myths, tropes, falsehhods, misunderstandings and stereotypes over matzoh ball soup, a glass of wine or grape juice and some delicious food.
The intention is to have regular shabbats over the year and if you would like to host it in your home, let me know. We have a DJ in mind if we want to have some good live tunes and dancing. I am OVERJOYED at the enthusiastic reception this movement is getting in the Jewish community in San Diego. Outreach to the African American communnity also underway and if you can help with that, please do.
We are stronger TOGETHER.
Let us break bread together and create bonds.
Barrett