Shabbat Across America celebrated by S.L. Jews

SALT LAKE CITY — At 200 synagogues Friday night, tens of thousands of Jewish people gathered to celebrate Shabbat Across America. In Salt Lake City, nearly 100 members of the local synagogue, Kol Ami, took part in the occasion.

Shabbat Across America is an annual event that encourages people to celebrate the Friday evening dinner that begins the Jewish Sabbath at sundown. In its 14th year continent-wide, and its fifth year at Kol Ami, the event drew congregants first to the hourlong service and then the Shabbat dinner.

"The original idea of this was the education about Shabbat," said Karen McArthur, president of the local synagogue. "This is an opportunity to share some traditions with other people."

Kol Ami, which offers both reformed and conservative services, put on a musical service with elements from both.

"It's a unifying experience for Judaism," McArthur said. "It's a celebration of Shabbat."

Following the service, the traditional blessings began. First the candles were lit and a blessing was said. Blessings were then said over the children, spouses, friends, wine (or juice) and Challah bread.

Congregants of all ages, ranging into the 90s, attended the festive celebration and shared memories of past Shabbats. They gathered around the tables, laughing and fondly remembering different traditions they developed for Shabbat.

Some people recalled Friday nights spent strictly observing the Sabbath. One remembered evenings of eating out at a local Chinese restaurant with family members.

"It's a chance for people to learn it and become comfortable with it," McArthur said of the event.

In addition to celebrating Shabbat, congregants donated toiletries and detergents to go to Family Promise, a charitable organization Kol Ami began working with in January.

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