Days spent in self-quarantine can make time feel slippery. Without our usual routines, one day blends into the next. Weekends become distinguishable from weekdays. Losing track of time can become unsettling; it disorients our very sense of selves.
As Jews, we know how grounding it is to mark time. Rituals help us remember not just when we are on the calendar, but also who we are. And by and large, we do those rituals together. This Shabbat, here are some options for you to distinguish our sanctified day and join in community, even while in solitude. Shabbat shalom!
1. Shabbat Alone, Together
The organization One Table usually connects younger adults with one another for Friday night meals. For the current crisis, though, they’ve launched “Shabbat alone, together,” with a lovely Shabbat guide that’s useful whether you’re lighting candles by yourself, with your quarantine-mates, or connecting virtually with others.
2. Shabbat at Home With Kids
Our partners at jkidphilly have come up with a complete guide to a kid-friendly Shabbat, including a Shabbat playlist, downloadable placemats for children to decorate, and a list of Shabbat conversation starters. Check it out here.
3. Go to Shul, Part 1: Kabbalat Shabbat Livestreams
On Friday night, webcams will be on at many area synagogues, including:
- Adath Israel on the Main Line, Merion – Conservative
Fridays at 6:00 p.m. To watch the livestream, click here.
- Adath Jeshurun, Elkins Park – Conservative
Fridays, 6:15 p.m. To join via Zoom, click here.
- Beth Am Israel Congregation, Penn Valley
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. To join via Zoom, click here.
- Congregation Kenneseth Israel, Elkins Park – Reform
Fridays, 8:00 p.m. For the livestream click here.
- Temple Beth Sholom, Elkins Park - Conservative
Fridays, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. To join in the service click here.
- Temple Sholom, Broomall – Reform
Fridays, 7:30 p.m. For the livestream, click here.
- Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, Center City – Conservative
Fridays, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. To join via Zoom, click here.
4. Go To Shul, Part 2: Shabbat Morning Livestreams
On Saturday morning, webcams will be on at many area synagogues, including:
- Adath Israel on the Main Line, Merion - Conservative
Saturdays at 9:45 a.m. To watch the livestream, click here.
- Adath Jeshurun, Elkins Park - Conservative
Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. To join via Zoom click here.
- Beth Am Israel Congregation, Penn Valley
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. To join via Zoom click here.
- Rodeph Shalom, Center City – Reform
Saturdays, 9:15 a.m. Torah study. To join via Zoom, click here.
- Temple Beth Sholom, Elkins Park - Conservative
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. For the livestream, click here.
- Temple Sholom, Broomall - Reform
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. Torah Study. For the livestream, click here.
- Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, Center City – Conservative
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. To join via Zoom, click here.
5. Melavah Malkah (Re)Watch Party. Hadar’s Rising Song Institute recently held a virtual concert on Facebook Live, filmed at Germantown Jewish Centre, providing a gorgeous end to Shabbat and an uplifting start to the new week. If you missed it, you need a watch! You can even invite your FB friends for a watch party together. For the video, click here.
For more Jewish Federation resources for COVID-19, including even more ways to connect, click here.
