Holy Work, Holy Rest: Reflections on Shabbat
Over Shabbat, we got a chance to rest and recharge with the community from Shir Chadash, a Conservative synagogue in New Orleans. They welcomed us with open arms and we enjoyed praying, eating, sleeping and learning together and having a day where we were disconnected from our technology and just being together. We had a learning session about power and empowerment that gave us lots to think about. We thank Rabbi Ethan Linden, Liba Kornfeld, Adin and Yonah Linden and the entire Shir Chadash community for everything they did over the weekend. Shavuah Tov!
All of us, ready for Shabbat at Shir Chadash
Over Shabbat, we heard a D’var Torah from the former Rabbi of the congregation. He talked about the half shekel that everyone had to bring as a way of counting the people of Israel. He asked, why a half shekel? Why not a whole shekel? He commented that the half shekel represents only part of a whole. That we have to work together to really complete the shekel and only when we come together, when we work towards tikkun olam and experience each other panim el panim (face to face) have we actually done the work to complete the shekel and ourselves. What a great message for our group on this Shabbat! — R.R.R
Havdalah
After two solid days of work and sweat, we went to Shir Chaddash Synagogue in Mettier to have a restful and “unplugged” Shabbat experience. We were welcomed with very open arms by Rabbi Ethan Linden, his wife Liba and two little boys Adin (4) and Yona (2). We enjoyed Friday night services and dinner with the family and after, we slept at the Shul! It was quite the experience, but overall very comfortable and meditative. On Saturday morning we went to Shabbat services and relaxed the whole day with the Rabbi’s family. We held a meaningful reflection on our trip experiences thus far, and after Shabbat ended, in celebration of the end of our LONG day of rest, we went bowling. At “Rock and Bowl” we listened to a funky Beatles cover band and sipped on soda while we bowled (I WON!!). — Z.W.
Good Times at Rock N'Bowl (complete with Beatles cover band in costume!)
I thought the whole Shabbat experience was very relaxing and very different from what I was used to. The synagogue that we were staying at was very different from IKAR and I was able to experience what a synagogue in New Orleans was like. I personally really tried to experience what it was like without using electricity. I, however, cannot say that I was completely unplugged. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and interested in what we were doing. The rabbi, his wife and two kids took us in Friday night and cooked us a fantastic Shabbat dinner. They were incredibly welcoming throughout all of Shabbat, they fed us snacks Saturday afternoon, and were incredibly nice. Over all the experience was very different and fun and restful!!! — E.We
