Communications, Volume 3, Number 3, November 1974 Page: 2 of 14
This periodical is part of the collection entitled: Hidden Selections of Houston’s African American and Jewish Heritage and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Rice University Woodson Research Center.
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- 2
by the Rabbi
REFLECTTONS
Erwin Halpern
ORT SABBATH
One of the most rewarding and stimulating experiences I’ve had
this past year was the Shabbaton (Retreat) weekend with our BASY group.
Even though the Shabbaton was the first weekend away from home for our
youth, the RUACH (spirit) which prevailed was most heart warming.
I often seek out the opportunities for close relationship between
our young people and myself, either in the interaction in Religious
School, or at Jr. Congregation Services. Yet I seldom admit the
superficiality of such contacts until I’m involved in a situation such
as the Shabbaton, where open, personal contact is available on a one-
to-one basis, with every child. Such an experience affords both the
Rabbi and youth not only to dialogue, but the opportunity to get to
know each other a little better. I am most grateful for having had
this opportunity.
Rabbis, Parents and Educators are most concerned, and rightfully
so, with the future of our youth. We worry about their values, we’re
up-tight about their social habits, and their religious training, and
scholarship pursuits.
Aside from proper supervision and encouragement to seek out the
most meaningful and rewarding life style, the future of our Jewish
youth at Beth Am lies in on-going programs that heighten their spiri-
tual and social development.
No Jr. Congregation service can be compared to a Shabbat exper-
ience around the Sabbath meal on Fiday night, with its Zomirot (songs,
and appropriate hymns. No youth Service at the Synagogue can be
likened to the moving religious chants of young people at a campsite
away from home-—-in an environment that lends itself to service, and
honest communion with one’s God. I was so emotionally touched at our
Shabbat Service that tears welled up in my eyes as I watched and lis-
tened to the pure voices of our children rendering homage to almighty
God and singing the hymns with added exhuberance.
The Sihot (discussions) in the afternoon, the prepared composi-
tions of the significance of the Sabbath, followed by Havdallah in
the evening rounded out the Religious, Spiritual, and Cultural dimen-
sions of the weekend.
The social and athletic activities, interwoven with songs and
games blended into the beautiful Shabbaton tapestry.
Bleary eyed from lack of sleep on Friday night, I headed back
home Saturday night to join Norma for the Jewish Marriage Encounter,
More on Marriage Encounter in the next article.
On Friday evening, November 15, 1971, Congregation Beth Am will
observe ORT Sabbath, with rany members of ORT participating in the
service. Thesverycmoming $ 2 HChaim-— ---To Life” will be shovm.
This annual observance of ORF Sabbath holds great meaning to ORT’S
110,000 members throughout the country. We hope that you vill,male
every effort to attend this most meaningful service. "L‘ Charm will
be shovn g: 7:00 P.M., prior to services. Sabbath services will
begin at 8:30 P.M,
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Congregation Beth Am (Houston, Tex.). Communications, Volume 3, Number 3, November 1974, periodical, November 1974; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1417373/m1/2/: accessed June 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rice University Woodson Research Center.