TENAFLY, N.J.—The Sabbath provides a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family and community ties, and Temple Sinai of Bergen County does it in an exuberant way.
On June 14, dozens of families enjoyed a delicious summer get together with clergy and staff in the temple’s annual Shabbat Barbecue.
Rabbi Jordan Millstein likes to call it “Shabbabecue,” because it combines two wonderful events for the congregation.
“Shabbat” is the Hebrew word for “Sabbath,” indicating a day of rest after the six days of creation described in the Old Testament of the Bible.
In Judaism, Shabbat begins every Friday at sundown and ends the following day, Saturday, at sundown. Traditionally, Shabbat is a time of prayer and reflection usually occurring in a temple or family setting.
The Shabbat service at Temple Sinai took place inside the synagogue at 7:30 p.m. after the barbecue and a performance by the Temple Sinai Rock Shabbat band led by Cantor Nitza Shamah.
By 6 p.m., the temple parking lot and surrounding area was filled with fun and laughter. Dozens of attendees lined up for fresh grilled burgers and franks, and there was a cavalcade of tables with pastas and salads that had been home made by temple members. Watermelon and homemade cookies topped off the dinner.
“This is a wonderful free event that we’ve been having for nine or 10 years,” said David Klein, who originated the event.
Rabbi Millstein remarked. “Everyone has a great time!”
Sinai’s Executive Director, Joe Slade, agreed.
“It’s the start of summer and a great way for our members to socialize,” said Slade.
Socializing was, indeed, in full force at the barbecue. Amongst the temple members there were numerous community members, such as: Deborah Glasser, director of Jewish Family and Childhood Services; Elizabeth Halverstam and Ruth Seitelman, co-presidents of the National Coalition of Jewish Women Bergen County Section; and noted social justice advocate Charlotte Bennett-Schoen.
President Anne Marie Bennoun commented, “It’s wonderful having so many people enjoy Shabbat together in an outdoor setting.”
Even the youngsters love it. Slade’s kindergarten age daughter, Alex, sporting a huge smile, played with other children and ate a tasty dinner with her parents.
“I like the Shabbat barbecue because the food is yummy, and I get to see Rabbi Jordan. My mommy and daddy and I are having so much fun!”
Temple Sinai’s “Shabbabecue” really lived up to its name, a festive meal with a community feel in a religious setting.
