Posted 8th February 2007, lunch time
Friday, February 2, saw over 60 people from various segments of the Jewish community join together for Shabbat dinner at The Jewish Discovery Center. Offering a warm and inviting Shabbat setting, replete with a traditional family Shabbat meal, a mystical Tu B’Shvat Seder and a Sefardic-style Kabbalat Shabbat service, the Jewish Discovery Center’s goal was to unite the entire community by creating a unified island in time.
“Our objective is to develop quality programs that bring the message of world peace, unity, brotherly love and personal and global development to the forefront of human consciousness,” said Rochel Kalmanson, co-director for The Jewish Discovery Center.
Individuals and families in the community got away from the hustle and bustle of life and joined an intimate gathering to welcome the Shabbat with friends. Participants gathered in a relaxed and informal environment, and connected with their inner spirit through song, meditation and stimulating discussion, along with a home-made full course Shabbat Dinner, complete with the customary L’Chaim, chicken soup, kugel and other Jewish delights.
“Every human being has his or her view of Utopia,” says Rabbi Yosef Y Kalmanson, Executive Director of The Jewish Discovery Center in Mason. “In Judaism, the Sabbath day of rest on Saturday is more than just a religious holy day on which we don’t work – it is the penultimate human experience for living the spiritual life right here in this material world. And that’s a huge part of what Utopian world peace is all about.”
As an added element, participants of this innovative program delved into the deeper meaning of the “Jewish Arbor Day” and celebrate together in the manner of the ancient mystics of 16th century Tzfat, Israel.
“Tu B'Shvat, the ‘New Year for the Trees,’ offers a unique opportunity for insight into living and personal growth,” explained Kalmanson. “Throughout the centuries, Kabbalists have used the tree as a metaphor to understand G-d's relationship to the spiritual and physical worlds.”
Through learning, discussion, prayer, meditation, friendship and partaking in the rejuvenating Shabbat experience, participants gained a sense of what it means to live a truly spiritual life. Singing and ritual Sefardic chants were led by the Moroccan-born and French-raised Chazzan [cantor] Leon Cohen.
“What a spectacular experience it was,” said Miriam Mason, who attended with her son, Jonathan. “We soaked in the spiritual environment, sang melodies in various languages, had so much fun and came away refreshed and invigorated. How wonderful it is to have this amazing community resource in the Mason area.”
All Jewish Discovery Center programming is geared for Jews of all backgrounds seeking an environment that appreciates Jewish heritage and tradition, and a fresh perspective for inner growth, interpersonal relations and an inspired vision for the global future. To find out more about The Jewish Discovery Center’s continued innovative programs for the entire Jewish community, see their website, www.JDiscovery.com or call (513) 531.DISCOVER.
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