By Fiona W.
Sixth Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
Celebrating Shabbat with family and friends is a common practice among members of the Jewish community, but sometimes it proves difficult to make time for big get-togethers. With the Shabbat Share program, families and friends throughout the Krieger Schechter Day School (KSDS) of Chizuk Amuno Congregation community can come together to celebrate Shabbat with each other.
For Shabbat Share, as many as four families gather at one house to celebrate and eat with one another, explains Jodi Wahlberg, a KSDS teacher and past chair of the program.
In 2012, a member of the parents association looked for a way to bring KSDS families together on Friday evenings. The idea of Shabbat Share was presented to Wahlberg, and she made it a reality.
Wahlberg hopes this program continues to evolve and grow. Offered twice per school year, it introduces families and helps create friendships. More than 100 families participate. Wahlberg explains that matching families is a difficult process. They are grouped based on children’s ages, location of residence, and family allergies.
According to Isaac B., a seventh grade student who is new to the KSDS community, “It really helped to talk to other students about school. It helped me learn more about the social aspect of middle school here.”
Vicki Williamson, a KSDS parent, adds, “Participating in Shabbat Share has been a wonderful experience. It’s been a great opportunity to meet some amazing people who I’ve stayed friends with over the years.”
Because of the Shabbat Share program, Williamson has grown closer with a lot of KSDS families, and she really enjoys spending time with families that she did not previously know.
By bringing families together, Wahlberg also helps children in the younger grades adjust to school by meeting other children. Wahlberg adds that it also helps new students in the older grades make friends and learn more about Krieger Schechter Day School.
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