Shabbos at CBJ: A Unique & Transformative Experience
By Abraham Selig

When Adam Shechter asked me to write something for the bulletin, he mentioned that I had “been at many Shabbos tables”. After giving that some thought, I realized that I had indeed been around the community a few times over, to eat and converse with various families on Friday night. I also realized that just a year ago, I wasn’t shomer Shabbos at all, and carried on Friday night as if it were just another day of the week. After giving these ideas some thought, I decided that they were part of a two-prong metamorphosis. One was personal, and another, which came from outside, was one of communal support.

For me personally, I always enjoyed Friday night services, but would be the first one out the door after Yigdal, ready for a night on the town. Keeping Shabbat past Friday night meant very little to me, and I was always wary of committing to something that I felt would leave me bored or restless. I had no idea what Shabbat observance held, and in all honesty, was somewhat intimidated by it.

However, as time drew on, I began to feel duplicity in my prayer. I felt less and less comfortable coming into shul, saying prayers for Shabbat, and then walking out the door and putting it all behind me, no more than one hour after it had all started. I decided that it was going to be one or the other, and refused to give up attending shul for a Friday night at the bar or movie theater. I decided to keep a more observant Shabbat, and was met immediately by the community of B’nai Jacob.

I suddenly found myself invited to Shabbos tables full of delicious food, good conversation, and warm company. I felt immediately accepted and even more than that, appreciated for my attendance and input. I even began to see visions of my own family, and how I would one day lead Kiddush and bless my children. I was drawn in from the start, and found myself asking why I had never seen it before? How could it be that this beautiful atmosphere was lost on me? I guess I never opened my eyes enough to see it, or maybe just was never ready to do so.

Regardless, Friday night in Park Slope has become something I look forward to when I’m here, and something I miss when I’m not. Through such a kind community environment, the spirit of Shabbat becomes so attainable, so readily found. A calmness prevails here, a comfort level that I’ve never really felt before, and it is fostered by truly caring people. It is this environment of warmth and acceptance that I feel was so conducive to my personal transformation. Without it, I’m not sure what keeping Shabbat would mean to me, but am so thankful for the families in this community that open their homes with true chesed, to usher in Shabbat with their families and guests.