Shabbat Across Stamford Will Unite Jews of All Denominations

With Jews of all different denominations — Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist and unaffiliated Jews — under one roof, Stamford area Jews will celebrate Shabbat Across Stamford in a show of unity, on Friday, March 13.

The United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien in collaboration with the Stamford Board of Rabbis is hosting the historic communal observance at at Rippowam Middle School on High Ridge Road. The members of Temple Beth El, Temple Sinai, Congregation Agudath Sholom, Selah, and Young Israel will all join in the celebration.

Usually, differences in ritual and customs would make it difficult to create such an event. However, by holding it in a space that is within walking distance for most Orthodox Jews, and by creating two different prayer spaces within the school, Shabbat Across Stamford will be able to accommodate a very wide range of practices, from liberal to traditional, according to Shabbat Across Stamford.

“It is such a rarity - unprecedented here - for Jews across the denominational spectrum to come together in this manner,” Rabbi Joshua Hammerman of Temple Beth El said in a statement. “It is a celebration not only of Shabbat, but of Jewish diversity itself.”

Rabbi TelRav of Temple Sinai added in the statement, “It was heartening to realize that the mutual respect between us translates into a desire to bring our communities together. This collegiality is a very special reality that is not found in the rabbinic leadership of every community.”

The Orthodox service will feature the music of the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and the Progressive service will include musical instruments. Both services will be participatory in nature. A kosher dinner will follow. Since no single congregation is hosting, everyone will have equal ‘ownership’ of the evening. “That was my vision,” said Shabbat Across Stamford chair Linda Spilka. “To bring everyone together for a really beautiful Shabbat.” Spilka has worked with UJF staff and the Board of Rabbis for more than a year to make that vision a reality.

The highlight will be a talk by internationally known teacher and author, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Telushkin is the author of more than 30 books on topics as diverse as Jewish ethics, humor, literacy, and gossip. Telushkin’s talk will focus on the challenges of living a moral life in modern society. His participation in Shabbat Across Stamford is part of a weekend-long residency that will include an interfaith leaders get-together, and other small group learning opportunities.

The “Shabbat Across America” program is the creation of the National Jewish Outreach Program which assists congregations in creating a welcoming Shabbat experience in which unaffiliated Jews are encouraged to participate. However, in the 19-year history of NJOP, no community has done what Stamford is doing. NJOP Program Director, Rabbi Elly Krimsky said, “What Stamford is doing is truly monumental and ground-breaking.”

The Shabbat Across Stamford celebration will begin at 5:45 p.m. at Rippowam Middle School.

Reservations are required. For more information, or to reserve a place, go to http://ujf.org/sas.

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