Shabbat Kulanu Letter

A LETTER FROM RABBI MANGOLD

I am thrilled to tell you about an exciting Shabbat experience we offer once-a-month at Temple Emanu-El. It’s called Shabbat Kulanu, which means Shabbat for Us All. While this Shabbat experience is especially welcoming to elementary school aged children (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade), I encourage individuals of all ages to attend.

At our first Shabbat Kulanu in September, I was overjoyed by how many children and their families showed up to enjoy a service that would be engaging, meaningful, and fun. I was also overjoyed that many adults showed up, showing their support for our community.

As you consider attending this Shabbat experience, please read the following questions and responses to learn and explore whether or not Shabbat Kulanu might be a positive experience for you. I understand that change is exciting and challenging; please feel comfortable reaching out to me to discuss any questions you may have.

What happens at Shabbat Kulanu?
On these Friday evenings, our community gathers in the Social Hall for dinner at 5:15 P.M. After dinner, at 6:00 P.M. we say our Shabbat blessings in the Social Hall and then head into the Sanctuary for a musical and joyful service. After our service, around 7:00 P.M. our youth participate in an activity, while adults stay and schmooze for dessert at Oneg Shabbat in the foyer.

What makes this service “kid-friendly?”
We use our Mishkan T’filah for Youth prayerbook. Each month our children’s choir as well as one of our religious school classes will help lead music and prayer. Rather than a full sermon, a story will be shared.

Does this service contain the prayers we usually pray on Friday night?Yes, it does! This service includes all of the same prayers we typically pray together on Friday nights. We certainly will sing our Mi Shebeirach prayer as we pray for those who are ill, and we say the Mourner’s Kaddish as we remember loved ones who have died.

Children in our community will have the opportunity to see for themselves that their temple community is larger than their religious school class, and that it’s filled with people of all ages.

What if I’m distracted by children moving around or talking during
the service?
I acknowledge that this service will feel different than our typical Friday night service. There will be moments when children move around, laugh, or talk, which may be frustrating or distracting. Our children are learning how to behave in a sanctuary and how to be respectful; this will take time. I invite you to please set realistic expectations going into this service that these moments will happen. I invite you to try your best to delight in children having positive experiences at synagogue, understanding how important their love for Judaism is for our present and future.

As one of our adult members shared at the last Shabbat Kulanu service,“I just saw the future of our temple! And
the future is bright!”

My children might not behave perfectly during the service, should we still come?We understand that children are learning how to behave in a sanctuary. Please talk to your children before the service so that they know what to expect. Please remind them the importance of following along in the prayerbook, sitting and standing when asked, listening, and communicating when they need a break. Please pray with your children and monitor their behavior. If there are moments where they need a break, please take them for a break. We offer babysitting during the service so if they need an alternative activity, they can go play in another room.

I don’t have a child in this community. Why should I come to this service? Couldn’t it be at another time?
I deeply believe in the importance of creatingintergenerational experiences at synagogue. These experiences allow us to feel the power of community, reminding each of us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Shabbat Kulanu is an opportunity for individuals of all chapters of life to gather in celebration of our beautiful tradition. Torah teaches us that at Sinai, our entire community experienced Divine revelation together. There wasn’t a separate mountain for the children, they were right there with us!

I invite you to be open to experiencing the holiness of connecting with those outside of your usual circle. Adults in our community that may not have children or grandchildren will have the opportunity to be inspired by our youth, to support them as they lead us in prayer, and to take pride in our childrens’ Jewish learning.