January 18, 2024

Why You Don’t Want to Miss Centennial Shabbat

“Shabbat is special to my family because… it’s a time to unwind, rest, and relax. My kids however would say because we get to have challah and Bubbie’s Shabbat Chicken!” –Alissa Nussbaum, Centennial Shabbat Co-chair 

“My family and I welcome Shabbat by getting our three kids together in the kitchen (often in pajamas), blessing them, and then listening to them recite Shabbat prayers that they have learned in school.” Sarah Schonfeld, Centennial Shabbat Co-chair 

“For me, Shabbat means ‘slow down!’ Breathe more slowly and more deeply, think of all the people whose lives intertwine with mine, and thank G-d for my family… especially for our two sons.” Rebecca Gold, Centennial Shabbat Co-chair 

On behalf of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest and the Centennial Shabbat Committee, we want to invite everyone in Greater MetroWest to celebrate Centennial Shabbat – a brand new, once-in-a-century experience! 

What is Centennial Shabbat and why is it such a special opportunity? 

Throughout Greater MetroWest, thousands of people will join together with neighbors and new friends during Centennial Shabbat, to honor 100 years of Jewish community in Greater MetroWest. There are several ways to participate – we hope you’ll take advantage of them all. 

Challah Prince Live Braiding Workshops. Centennial Shabbat kicks off on Tuesday, January 30 and Wednesday, January 31 with world-renowned artistic challah baker and Instagram star, Idan Chabasov, the Challah Prince! Learn unique dough-braiding techniques, hear Idan’s personal story, enjoy a light nosh, and take your creation home to bake in time for Shabbat. Limited tickets available. Register today. 

Centennial Shabbat Events. In partnership with our Jewish Federation, synagogues, organizations, and Greater MetroWest partner communities in Israel are hosting 44 special events open to the community. There’s something for everyone including guest speakers and scholars-in-residence, community Shabbat dinners, fun family programs, Israeli dancing, Shabbat services, and more. Check out all the event locations and descriptions here. 

Centennial Shabbat Children’s Activity Book. Enjoy fun-filled pages of cartoons and activities for children ages 2 to 7 and their grown-ups! Get a free copy of this Centennial Shabbat Activity Book which helps introduce young children to Shabbat (Sabbath) traditions, Jewish values, and the Greater MetroWest community. Coming soon to Greater MetroWest Early Childhood Centers.  

If you have questions about any of these programs, contact Sarah Diamond, Manager of Synagogue Initiatives, at [email protected]. 

Special thanks to our Centennial Shabbat Committee and sponsors 

Centennial Shabbat Committee  
Mariela Dybner, Aliza Feuerstein, Rachel Friedman, Rebecca Gold, Merle Lomrantz, Alissa Nussbaum, Sarah Schonfeld, Miryam Smilow, Eileen Weiss   

Centennial Event Sponsor  
Jay & Jodi Murnick, Lee Murnick, Amy & Mark McKeag and families in honor of Maxine B. & Theodore R. z”l Murnick 

Centennial Diamond Sponsors  
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ  
Sally Gottesman in honor of her parents Paula & Jerry z”l Gottesman  
Mandelbaum and Goldberg Family  
UJA Benefit Concert Supporting Foundation of JCF  
Wilf Family Foundations   

Centennial Leadership  
Jane Wilf, Chair  
Terri Friedman, Maxine Schwartz, Centennial Vice Chairs, Local Community Engagement   

Federation and Foundation Leadership  
Michael Goldberg, President, Federation  
Steven D. Levy, President, Foundation  
Dov Ben-Shimon, Executive VP/CEO, Federation  
Kim Hirsh, Executive Director, Foundation