Congregation Shalom in Chelmsford will be holding two special programs on Saturday evening, January 23 and welcomes guests to be part of these engaging, musical Havdallah experiences. On each Saturday evening, Jews around the world look for three stars in the sky to mark nightfall, when one can separate the Sabbath from the rest of the week with the Havdallah ritual. The particular Sabbath that closes with Havdallah on January 23 is a special one known as the Sabbath of Song, or Shabbat Shira in Hebrew. The Torah portion for that week, from the Book of Exodus, tells how the Hebrews cross the Sea of Reeds and includes a special Song of joy and awe, Song of the Sea, or Shirat Hayam in Hebrew.

Rabbi Shoshana Perry and Cantorial Soloist Jodi Blankstein, accompanied by guitarist Adam Dehner, will be the guides for both special programs. In addition to her role as Cantorial Soloist, Blankstein is also Music Educator teaching its children through song.

The first program, from 4:30 to 5:30, will be an experiential Havdallah service. It will include finding the three stars needed for starting Havdallah, star gazing, and wonderful music and storytelling. From 6:30 to 7:30 older teens and adults will have the opportunity to say good-bye to this special Sabbath with beautiful music, text study, socializing, and hopefully star gazing. Singing along and food will be part of the experience for both programs.

Congregation Shalom is located at 87 Richardson Road in Chelmsford. Come and add your voice to the spirited singing, guided by the beautiful voice of Jodi Blankstein and the gentle guitar playing of Adam Dehner. For any questions about these programs, email edassistant@congregationshalom.org or call the temple office at (978) 251-8091.