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.