Saturday, October 24th, 9:30 a.m.
Sephardic or Sephardi refers to Jews with cultural origins in Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and the Middle East. The word "Sephardic" comes from the Hebrew word sefarad, which means "Spain".
Our new Sephardi Shabbat Experience will be filled with prayer customs and nusach (prayer melodies) while we explore the rich culture and traditions of the Sephardi Jewish communities. Our beautiful and majestic Sephardi Torah will be used for our Shabbat Torah readings and all those attending will enjoy a taste of traditional Sephardi foods following the service.
As always, childcare will be available for our youngest participants and a program for children will also take place.
This new Shabbat opportunity will take place at various times throughout the year.
We learn from Rabbi Eliezer in the Mishnah: “One who makes their prayer fixed is not truly praying.” This profound teaching reminds us that prayer must be dynamic, heartfelt, and inspiring; if it becomes static and mechanical, it loses its essence as an act of connection with the Divine.
As your rabbi, I take this teaching to heart. I am always seeking ways to find inspiration in prayer, often using new melodies and approaches to deepen my connection. At the same time, I value the importance of minhag (tradition), which serves to root us firmly in the timeless legacy of the Jewish people.
To ensure that our congregation remains both inspired and grounded, I have chosen to draw from the rich wellspring of Sephardi prayer customs and nusach (prayer melodies). These traditions offer a beautiful synthesis of spiritual vitality and deep-rooted heritage.
Occasionally, we will hold a Sephardi Shabbat, during which parts of the service will be chanted in the Sephardi nusach. We will also read from our majestic Sephardi Torah and enjoy a taste of traditional Sephardi foods following the service.
I warmly invite you all to join us for this special experience and encourage you to extend the invitation to the wider San Diego Jewish community. Let us come together to celebrate the vibrancy of Sephardi traditions and the beauty of Shabbat.
Chazak U’varuch (with strength and blessings),
Rabbi Hanan