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Hosting an Oneg Shabbat
The Oneg Shabbat (literally, “Sabbath Delight”) is a social hour after every service: a delightful opportunity to enjoy food, say hello to old friends, meet new members and visitors, and even ask the Rabbi a question or two.
WHO
Each week, the Oneg is voluntarily hosted by an individual, family, or group, usually in celebration of an occasion (such as an anniversary, birthday, or simcha). The hosts bring an array of desserts, coffee, and tea for all to enjoy.
WHY
It’s Biblical It comes from the book of Isaiah: “And you shall call the Sabbath a delight.”
It’s Traditional Chaim Nachman Bialik, poet laureate of the Jewish people, held the first Oneg Shabbat in his home in Tel Aviv in 1924. Years later, in America, “oneg shabbat” became the name of the social hour, with refreshments, after the Friday evening service.
It’s Hospitable When we look at a wedding chuppah, it’s open on four sides to recall the tents of our ancestors, which were made to make visitors feel welcome and refreshed. We are a hospitable congregation.
It’s an Honor We are publicly celebrating the Sabbath, the Fourth Commandment, to keep it holy and special.
It’s Rejoicing Offering refreshments and sociability to family, friends, and strangers who may otherwise not have it.
It’s a Mitzvah Doing a thoughtful, good, generous, and kind deed for our synagogue, congregation, and guests.
HOW
• Decide an event you wish to honor (birth, birthday, anniversary, bar/bat mitzvah, graduation, special achievement, etc.).
• Decide whether to host alone or co-host with others (A great way to honor your chavurah, family, friends is by inviting them to participate with you in preparing the Oneg.)
• Decide the date.
• Call the office (or look in the Bulletin) to get the number for the Oneg Coordinator. Call the coordinator to set the date and you will be sent information on how to set up for the Oneg.
• Decide the budget you want to spend. There is no pre-set amount.
• Decide whether you want to do the Oneg arrangements, or hire someone to do them for you. The Oneg Coordinator or the office can help with referrals.
Hosting an Oneg is wonderful way to honor friends, family, and Shabbat! |
