Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus, pictured at center, leads a previous Shabbat at the Beach. Photo courtesy of Congregation Or Shalom.
Congregation Or Shalom, an egalitarian, welcoming and progressive synagogue in Orange, is inviting community members to attend its annual sabbath celebration on Friday, Aug. 12 at Gulf Beach in Milford.
“One of my favorite Shabbat songs contains the words, ‘Author of creation, let these things never end: the sand, the sea, the boundless skies, the heartfelt prayer,’” said Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus, spiritual leader of Or Shalom. “Well, there’s one night of the year when we at Congregation Or Shalom don’t need to imagine these things: we’re surrounded by them. On our annual ‘Shabbat at the Beach,’ we leave our man-made sanctuary and worship in God’s sanctuary.”
The celebration, this year sponsored by the congregation’s Men’s Club, will begin at 7 p.m. The group will gather at the north end of the beach immediately adjacent to the Gulf Street bridge.
Bob Spaulding, the synagogue’s president, said, “It’s a lovely night filled with singing, dancing and sense of community. It suits our watchwords of ‘open minds, open hearts, open doors,’ and we invite all members, nonmembers and those of any religious tradition to join us at this festive event. Dress is casual, bring a blanket or chair and a hat, as other religious head coverings tend to fly away. Also, beginning at 6 p.m., feel free to bring your own picnic. An Oneg (light refreshments and gathering) follows the service.”
If you are not a synagogue member, please let the congregation know you are coming by calling the office at 203-799-2341.