The New York Blueprint

Shabbat Across America at KJ Beginners Program
February 9, 2010
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Venue:	Ramaz Middle School 114 East 85th Street between Lexington and Park Av New York , View on Mapquest
Contact:	www.kjbeginners.org or call 212-774-5678
Organization:	Kehilath Jeshurun

On Friday night, March 5h, members of the Upper East Side Jewish community and beyond will gather at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun (KJ) in an inspiring display of Jewish unity. Created by the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP), “Shabbat Across America” represents a united effort to renew interest in Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath.

KJ will be one of approximately 700 synagogues across the continent that will open its doors to all Jews. Under the direction of Rabbi Elie Weinstock, Associate Rabbi and Director of Outreach, attendees will experience an interactive Friday night explanatory service and a Shabbat dinner with all the rituals explained.

Prompted by the growing rate of Jewish assimilation in North America, NJOP and KJ hope that a memorable and rewarding experience at Shabbat Across America will infuse thousands of non-practicing Jews with a greater sense of commitment to Judaism. “We cannot accept that North American Jewry is an endangered species,” commented Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, founder and director of NJOP. “A vast majority of Jews in this country have never experienced a traditional Sabbath experience and do not feel a connection to the Judaism that their grandparents practiced only a half-century ago. Shabbat Across America is an exciting and modern way of reintroducing friends and family members to a practice that has been with our people for over 3,000 years.”