Shabbat Under The Stars

Temple Judea of Manhasset was the site recently of a special Friday evening Sabbath service, Shabbat Under the Stars. Held outdoors in the Lipsey Gardens, the service was held under a cloudless sky surrounded by tall trees that encircled the congregation.
The evening included the opportunity for couples who have been married in years ending in zero and five years of marriage to renew their vows before the congregation, officiated by Rabbi Todd Chizner and Cantor Abbe Sher. The couples stood under a Chuppah, the traditional canopy under which Jewish marriage ceremonies are performed, as they did on their wedding days long ago.
The service incorporated traditional Sabbath prayers and songs led by Rabbi Chizner and Cantor Sher. Rabbi Chizner referred to the week’s Torah portion and related the message of the Chuppah to the idea of coming together in the face of all life’s challenges. He explained that the Chuppah stretches above the bride and groom as a covering of divine protection and blessings. In the same way, as he directed the congregation to look skyward, God has wrapped the stars and the heavens above all of us.
The evening was capped by a Shabbat picnic supper hosted by Temple Judea’s Brotherhood and WRJ Sisterhood.
For information about Temple Judea, contact Maxine Peresechensky, executive director, at 516-621-8049 or maxexec@temple-judea.com. Temple Judea is at 333 Searingtown Rd.