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The word Shmita literally translates to the ‘year of release’ or Sabbatical year. This was a time that the farm land was laid to rest, crops were shared, and a vision of generosity and community was abundant. We can also celebrate the shmita year more internally- within our own bodies and minds, releasing habitual patterns and allowing our body to rest. In honoring this vision, Bonai Shalom will be holding an in-house Shabbaton.
The Shabbaton begins on November 7th as a Friday night contemplative service with meditation and sitting practices. A hearty warm, comforting soup will be served. Saturday morning, November 8th begins with a traditional Shabbat service at 9:30am, followed by a delicious lunch at 12:30pm. Our afternoon exploration begins at 1:45pm with three options- that are hard to choose between!
Option one is an outdoor adventure led by Bonai’s own Meghan Letts. Who completed her Jewish outdoor educational training from the TEVA Seminar at the Isabella Freedman Center. This is a guided experience that uncovers the healing secrets of the land. Option two is a gentle yoga class with Nicole Koukou which invites you to adventure within your own mind and body. Option three is a class about the book, Rav Kook’s Introduction to Shabbat H’Aretz, with a discussion of the shmita year. This publication is the first-ever English translation to the book on shmita by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook.
The goal of this book is to make Jewish spiritual practices in caring for the environment more accessible. Come discover what shmita means for the modern world! The fun continues with stories, songs and third meal at 3:30pm with Ru Wing! This is a magical time for sharing and celebrating. Shabbat ends with a musical Havdallah at 5:32pm Bonai ends the night with community art from 6-9pm. Participants will use the photos taken from Bonai’s Creekfest to create a community art piece that will be showcased as an outside mural at Bonai Shalom! Peggy Dyer will be joining us for the evening to take more photos of those who didn’t get their photo taken previously and help guide us through the art process. Bonai Shalom welcomes your participation and involvement! Bonai will not be asking for a fee to participate, however please RSVP so they know how much food to prepare. Sponsorship opportunities are welcomed and available. Your financial contributions will help make this event and future shmita inspired events possible. This program is also made possible by Hazon. To RSVP please contact Bonai Shalom at 303-442-6605 or office@bonaishalom.org
