JCDSRI students shine at annual Kabbalat Shabbat service

Posted

On Jan. 27, more than 240 faculty, students and community members joined the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island for its annual Kabbalat Shabbat service and dinner at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

 

The evening began with the first-grade students leading the congregation in “Mi Ohev Shabbat” (“Who Loves Shabbat”). Each grade, including pre-K, led at least one prayer and showed off their Kabbalat Shabbat prowess. 

“It’s such a nice opportunity for the kids to showcase their learning of some of the Kabbalat prayers,” said second and third-grade Judaic Studies teacher Rhonda Mills. “They feel so proud to stand before the community and lead.”

After the service, the community was invited to a delicious Shabbat dinner cooked by parent volunteers. Before dessert, the children enjoyed activities such as games of Red Light, Green Light and Hot Potato.

Parent Alison Walter said, “The JCDSRI Shabbat dinner is always a highlight of the year for our community and my family. It is wonderful to see families, board members, teachers and staff come together and celebrate Shabbat. It warms my heart to see my own children so proudly lead the service and feel so warmly embraced by their kehillah.” 

Pre-K parent Lesley Bogad said, “The Shabbat dinner was a wonderful way to celebrate our first year at JCDS.  I got so much joy watching my five year old on the bimah with all of his classmates, leading the Shema for our whole community.  And it was lovely to share Shabbat dinner with new friends.” 

Principal Andrea Katzman added, “This event reflects the learning and leadership capacities of our students and the diversity, commitment and warmth of our families – we look forward to this every year.”   

HILLARY GUTTIN is a teacher at the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island.