“Through the Looking Glass”
Shabbat Service Script
Reader 1:
-Welcome everyone & Shabbat Shalom! Today we’re going to look at the Kabbalat Shabbat service through a different approach, or “through the looking glass.” We’ll try to see prayers & blessings in a way that you may have never thought of before.
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Reader 2:
-Blessing over candles: (read quote in booklet.. “Set your coarse by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship” – General Omar Bradley
Don’t let distractions, pettiness, gossip, or peer influence get in the way of your true dream or goal. Navigate life by what really matters, not by the transitory objects that just pass through. On Shabbat, this is the time to set aside all weekday distractions and focus in on our connection with God.
- recite blessing-
Reader 3:
-Kiddush: read passage from story (attached as “Humming Through My Fingers”)
The Kiddush blessing over the “fruit of the vine” is to teach us to take nothing for granted. Not fruit, not sight, not touch, & not Shabbat. As the story shows, sometimes a sense has to be taken away to truly be grateful for it. Sometimes seeing our senses from another point of view makes us value them even more. Appreciate all of God’s gifts, including grapes and wine.
- recite blessing-
Reader 4:
-Double meanings/ L’cha Dodi: (read poem: “Sorry I Spilled It”)) Everything you say has at least two meanings, whether you intend for it to or not. The poem shows a simple pun, while God’s use of “keep” & “remember” in the same utterance has greater significance. By Remembering, we are keeping the Sabbath always in our mind. & by keeping all the rituals, we are constantly remembering. Everything has an implied meaning, sometimes on purpose, sometimes not. Think about what you say, because you never know how others will take it.
-sing L’cha Dodi-
Reader 1:
-Shema: This is the prayer that begins & concludes a life, & a day. This is one of the most important prayers in Judaism, because at the end of the day, and in hard situations, all we need is a little faith to get us through.
(read quote: “In the arena of life the honors and rewards fall to those who their good qualities in action.” – Aristotle)
Even in the darkest times of hardship, Jews are expected to maintain their faith in God. By saying this verse when you feel most distraught, you are affirming how great God is, even when it doesn’t seem so at the time.
-recite the Shema & it’s blessings -
Reader 2:
Mi Chamocha: This prayer was said when God opened the waters of the Red Sea, and the Jewish people crossed through. God opened up a door to a world of possibilities in the Promised Land. When an opportunity comes your way, don’t be afraid to take the first step. (read quotes under “Opportunities”)
- sing Mi Chamocha-
Reader 3:
-Taking a Second Look (read paragraph & questions & quotes – discuss questions among participants)
-Now take a moment to read the Amidah & the quotes beside it & try to come up with a meaning for a prayer that you had never thought of before.
- recite the amidah (attached on “amidah & quotes”)-
Reader 4:
Mi Shebeirach: read quote: “One day, with life & heart, is more than enough to find a world.” – James Russell Lowell
Each day of life we have is precious, so don’t waste it waiting on something to change. Be strong & vivacious even when times are hard.
- sing Mi Shebeirach-
Reader 1:
Mourner’s Kaddish: (read quote) “Always remember to play after every storm!” – Mattie J.T. Stepanek
The mourner’s kaddish is more about life than death itself. Remember to always celebrate and commemorate life before enveloping oneself in grief.
- recite Mourner’s Kaddish-
Reader 2:
Read poem: “The Importance of Windows”
Conclusion: Throughout life’s adventures, don’t forget to look through both sides of the window. Thank you for coming & remember to not only let our guests this weekend look through the windows of Birmingham BBYO, but open up a door for them.
Don’t forget to see through the looking glass… Shabbat Shalom!