The First Shabbat

In a few hours we will be dressed in our shabbat clothes, singing shabbat songs, and giving these kids their first shabbat with Kol Hanearim. Although you might believe this to be the halfway point of our time here at Talpiot, this is really just the beginning. Throughout this first week we have built relationships and friendships with our kids, in preparation for this special Shabbat. Shabbat is the time just to enjoy the relationships we have built and to make them even more meaningful. There are no swimming pools, waterparks, or go-carts (which is what we did today) that can make these kids happy on shabbat. There is only us, and that is why it is our responsibility, especially on shabbat, to show these kids what Shabbat really is all about. That it is a time to dance, to sing, to laugh, to eat, or to just hang out. We need to show them that sitting around the shabbat table, talking, and singing zemirot is even greater than and more meaningful than those activities. That is why I couldn't be more excited for this shabbat and looking forward for the next 2 weeks. Shabbat shalom!!