Shabbat services under the stars

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Several synagogues in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts will hold outdoor Shabbat services throughout the summer months, and all are welcome to join them on the patio, or in parks, or even at beaches.

 

Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser of Temple Sinai, in Cranston, has been hosting Shabbat on the Beach for many years. He spoke fondly of these services, saying, “I love being able to start the service by welcoming people to the largest house of worship: the world. Seeing the sky above and the sea and sand in front of us is inspiring, and it’s a beautiful place to spend Shabbat.

“People come with their kids, some even in bathing suits, for a really casual, fun experience, celebrating Shabbat and being Jewish in a public place.”

Rabbi Aaron Philmus of Temple Torat Yisrael, in East Greenwich, also enjoys this summer tradition, and invites people of all ages to join in.

“We purposely have the service outside the walls of the synagogue so that we can be open to connect more with new people, nature and the majesty of Shabbat as it comes in when the sun is setting over the water,” said Philmus.

Here are the details:

Temple Habonim

Barrington, 401-245-6536 

Shabbat on the Beach

Fridays, July 14 and Aug. 18,  6:15 p.m.

Location: Barrington Beach,  Bay Road in Barrington. 

Temple Beth-El

Providence, 401-331-6070 

Shabbat Under the Stars

Fridays, July 21 and Aug. 25, picnic at 5:30 p.m. followed by service at 7 p.m.

Location: The Temple Beth-El Patio, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence

Congregation Beth David

Narragansett, 401-789-3437 

Shabbat on the Beach

Fridays, June 30, 6:45 p.m.; July 21, 6:30 p.m.; and Aug. 25, 6:15 p.m.

Location: Narragansett Town Beach, 39 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett

Temple Sinai

Cranston, 401-942-8350

Shabbat on the Beach

Friday, July 28, 6 p.m.

Location: Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Rd., East Greenwich

Havdalah on the Beach

Saturdays, July 15 and Aug. 12, 6 p.m. 

Location: Narragansett Town Beach, 39 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett

Temple Torat Yisrael

East Greenwich, 401-885-6600

Shabbat on the Beach

Fridays, June 23, July 7, July 21, Aug. 4, Aug. 18

Services begin at 6 p.m. and are followed by a potluck dairy picnic.

Location: Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Rd., East Greenwich

Tifereth Israel Cong.

New Bedford, 508-997-3171

Shabbat on the Beach 

Fridays, July 7, July 14, Aug. 18, Aug. 25, 6 p.m.

Location: Different location each Shabbat; contact the synagogue for details.

SAM SERBY is a freelance writer who lives in East Greenwich. He previously worked at the Peres Center for Peace in Tel Aviv.