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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Ilya
Welfeld
Jews at 600 synagogues of all denominations unite for inspiring program sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program NEW YORK; February 14 -- Tens of thousands of people at approximately 600 locations across North America, as well as soldiers on active duty around the world, are expected to participate in the National Jewish Outreach Program's (www.njop.org) Shabbat Across America/Canada Program on March 4, 2005. The Shabbat Across America/Canada program, now in its ninth year, has been designed to introduce Jews with limited background in observance to the joy and beauty of the Jewish Sabbath. This year, in addition to hundreds of synagogues of all denominations across the United States and Canada, the program will also be held at a number of military bases. "Shabbat Across America/Canada allows Jews-many of whom have never enjoyed any Sabbath experience-to come together to get a real taste of one of Jewish tradition's greatest treasures," said Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald, founder and director of NJOP. "The Sabbath offers us the opportunity to unplug from the distractions and stresses of daily life to focus on our spiritual well-being and to spend quality time with family and friends. In this crazy, hectic world, I think we can all benefit from putting some Sabbath into our lives." He added, "It has been said that 'more than the Jews have kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept the Jews,' meaning that the observance of the Sabbath has helped the Jewish people maintain its unique identity throughout history. When tens of thousands of Jews of all backgrounds-including brave members of our armed forces-are linked in spirit and deed by participating in Shabbat Across America/Canada, the truth of that statement is strikingly, and beautifully, demonstrated." While specific program details vary from location to location, all participants will enjoy an explanatory Friday evening Sabbath service, as well as a festive communal dinner in a welcoming environment. Many synagogues choose to bring in guest speakers. For example, the Lubavitch Center of West Orange, NJ's program will feature former NFL player Alan Veingrad, and Barbara Kessel, author of Suddenly Jewish: Jews raised as Gentiles Discover their Jewish Roots, will be speaking at Beit David Highland Lakes Shul/Young Israel in Aventura/North Miami Beach, FL. Noted author and speaker Rebbitzin Esther Jungreis, who spoke at the Republican National Convention, will take part in the event at Mt. Kisco Hebrew Congregation in Mt. Kisco, NY. For a list of synagogues participating in Shabbat Across America/Canada visit www.njop.org. About the National
Jewish Outreach Program END |