Hosting with the Shabbat Haggadah

Tuesdays October 13 and November 9 at 7:00pm Eastern

What does it take to bring people together around a Shabbat table, especially when everyone arrives with different backgrounds, expectations, and comfort levels?

This class gives you a simple, practical way to host a Shabbat meal using the ACJ Shabbat Haggadah, our monthly guide created with Rabbis for Ceasefire. Each guide includes blessings over candles, wine, handwashing, and bread, short intentions to read before each one, and reflection texts tied to the themes of the Hebrew month.

Together we'll cover:

The basics of planning a meaningful gathering, from who to invite to how to tell guests what to expect
How the Haggadah is structured, and how to use as much or as little of it as your table wants
Different ways to read and lead the blessings as a group
How to make choices about Hebrew, English, and transliteration so everyone at the table can take part
Hosting for a mixed crowd: first-timers, day school grads, and everyone in between

You'll leave with a planning worksheet, a copy of the guide marked up with your own choices, and a plan for your next Shabbat. We’ll then join back together to debrief how they went!

This class is for first-time hosts, experienced hosts looking for fresh ideas, and anyone curious about building Jewish ritual into their home. You don't need to read Hebrew or have any background in Jewish practice.

Facilitated by Rabbi Andy Kahn, Executive Director of the American Council for Judaism, and Batya Kline, ACJ Administrative Coordinator.

Live on Zoom. A link will be sent after registration.

Hosting with the Shabbat Haggadah

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