Our First Shabbat Service

Outside, the temperature had hovered in the mid-90s all day. A short shower in the late afternoon brought small relief. Inside, four fans roared continuously since four o'clock, trying to coax the heat trapped in the rafters out the windows.

But by 7:30, more than 50 men, women, and children braved the August heat wave to inagurate the congregation's Friday night Shabbat series on August 4th.

Jo-Ann Schwartzman and Judy Seltzer transformed the Fellowship Hall into a festive space. A table at the front of the room provided a place for each family to light their own Shabbat candles, some for the first time in their lives.

Judy Shapiro used a five-branched candelabra that's been in her family for three generations to open the evening service. Martin Shapiro, the founder of our congregation, gave a short but emotion-filled speech. "This is a historic event," he said. "Until now, there has not been a Jewish congregation in Ashland."

Rick Gottlieb led all the chanted prayers. Before he became a lawyer, Rick studied voice at the Brooklyn Conservatory and SUNY Binghamton. After the service Rick led the Kiddush.

Philip Borenstein gave a short d'var Torah where he noted the irony that our first service, which marks the establishment of our congregation, coincided with Tisha b'Av, the day of mourning that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

After the service and Kiddush, everyone enjoyed snacks and cookies for the Oneg Shabbat. (Though no one enjoyed the Oneg more than the children!) Thanks to Audrey Bennet, Julie Halpern, Alison Machado, Donna Bresnick, Deborah Bresnick, Nancy Ebert, Carol McGarry, Jo-Ann Schwartzman, and Judy Seltzer for providing the food for the Oneg.