Yom Shabbat was created to encourage people to spend most of one Shabbat each month at Temple Isaiah. Each month focuses on a specific theme.. The entire Yom Shabbat committee selects the themes for the year, and separate, smaller subcommittees plan the weekends. Themes have ranged from Jewish cooking to social action to how Judaism deals with scientific discovery.
Yom Shabbat generally starts with Shabbat dinner Friday night and continues through Havdallah Saturday. The rabbis and cantor often include some elements of the theme in the Friday night service, and sometimes a short talk is presented during the oneg. After Shabbat morning services, the program continues Saturday afternoon with a speaker or speakers, a panel discussion, or some other form of presentation. If the theme is appropriate, a family event is presented concurrently. Havdallah ends the YS on a warm, spiritual note.
The Yom Shabbat committee strongly encourages the participation of everyone in the congregation. The commitment can be short term and the rewards are great. Most committee members have a great time working on Yom Shabbat. Please contact the chairpersons if you are interested in hearing more.