By Alex Rubin
Friday evening at Shefayim marked our first Shabbat together as a cohort. Gathering at a clearing on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, we welcomed Shabbat in spirit and song. Accompanied by the incredible view of the sea and beautiful tunes of Yedid Nefesh and Leha Dodi, we all joined in to bring a festive atmosphere to our group at Shefayim.
Kabbalat Shabbat to me is a time to transition from a busy week into a separate time and unique feeling. Each week might be different but I know I can look forward to the start of Shabbat, gathering together with friends and family and singing the familiar tunes of Kabbalat Shabbat. Shabbat to me represents a time to reset. No matter what a week throws at me, Shabbat offers me a chance to slow down and reset, reflecting on the past week and setting goals for growth ahead. This Shabbat, I thought about the unique experience of returning to Israel and being able to celebrate my familiar holiday in a new place with new friends.
For me the most moving part of our Kabbalat Shabbat was the way that it brought together a group of people from widely diverse Jewish backgrounds. It was amazing to see that a group of people representing all of the major denominations of Judaism could all get together for a service that was familiar and comfortable for everyone. Through such a powerful shared experience, Kabbalat Shabbat really tied together our cohort. Looking back, our Kabbalat Shabbat experience set a tone for making a Shabbat that was fun, meaningful, and inclusive. We look forward to extending the spirit of our first Shabbat together throughout our shared time here in Israel.
