A few months ago, when I spoke on Yom Kippur, I mentioned two special Shabbat services that occur each month.  I am writing this month’s message right after these special services were held in December.

This past Friday night, services were led by several Hebrew School students of various ages.  With the tutoring of Hailey Weissman, these students led our davening either solo or in groups.  Many of these students also led services last year and it is amazing to see their growth and their increased confidence.  As a parent of two Hebrew School students, I felt pride and joy watching my daughter Danielle recite the Kiddush for the first time on the Bimah in November.  This month, I am looking forward to Miriam singing Hashkiveinu, something which I must admit that I don’t know the full tune. These services will continue once a month throughout the winter and spring.  Please, if you have a chance, attend one of these Friday night services either in person or on Zoom and see how hard our Hebrew School students have worked to learn their parts.

Beginning this year, at the first Shabbat morning service of each month, the Ritual Committee has started honoring members who have birthdays, anniversaries and other simchas for that month. As part of this celebration, we are encouraging members to come and take part in the service.  Whether it is reading Torah, having an Aliyah or just attending services we hope to encourage more and more participation. This past Shabbat, we had a well attended service when four different congregants read from the Torah – meeting the Rabbi’s challenge he issued on Yom Kippur of having at least 18 different members reading from the Torah this year.

Both of these services are a wonderful way to celebrate Shabbat and connect with our TBS community.