Dear Friends,
From 1975 to 1980, I was heavily involved in the Jews for Jesus / Messianic Jewish Movement. Fortunately, after this five-year involvement in Christianity, I came to my senses, left, returned to Judaism and eventually established the JEWS FOR JUDAISM counter-missionary organization in Canada.
On my road back to Judaism, a major impact in my renewed spiritual growth was to appreciate and embrace Shabbat, the seventh day of rest commanded to Jews in our Torah.
For me, experiencing and understanding Shabbat, especially at the homes of other Jews who were already “Shomer Shabbat” (Sabbath observers) had a tremendous impact on me.
These wonderful experiences, at Shabbat tables in the homes of many fine Jewish families, were instrumental in my developing a strong appreciation for this very important Jewish Festival that happens every single week. In addition, I came to learn so much more about Judaism from these weekly experiences.
In just a few days, on Shabbat October 27-28, hundreds of Jewish communities around the world will be celebrating “The Shabbat Project” where Jews from around the world will enjoy embracing Shabbat together.
As the flyer above implores, I invite all Jews to:
- INVITE friends and neighbours for a Shabbat meal
- UPLUG and rejuvenate your body and soul
- JOIN your local synagogue for community events
- INSPIRE others to honour and celebrate the Shabbat
- BAKE challah at your local community Challah bake on October 26
- UNITE as one with Jewish communities around the world (link to map below)
JEWS FOR JUDAISM is not able to arrange Shabbat placements for this event. To be placed for a Shabbat meal, or to find a Shabbat Project event near you, please click on this link https://www.theshabbosproject.org/en//events
For more information and free educational materials published by THE SHABBAT PROJECT please click on the following links.
THE SHABBAT PROJECT
- LEARN ABOUT SHABBAT
- SHABBAT IN A BOX (Starter Kit)
- SHABBAT IDEAS IN HEBREW (for non-English speaking Israelis)
- MAP OF ALL THE CITIES around the world that are involved in celebrating the Shabbat project are at the bottom of the page of this link
JEWS FOR JUDAISM has three important videos on our YouTube channel that can help you in your journey through Shabbat.
1. SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS: CREATING ISLANDS IN TIME from Rabbi Michael Skobac’s 6-part lecture series “DEEPENING JEWISH EXPERIENCE: The Spiritual Dimension”
2. SPECIAL DAYS: SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS from Rabbi Michael Skobac’s 6-part seminar “JUDAISM 101”
3. SHABBAT FOR BEGINNERS with Rabbi Dovid Zauderer
Enjoy the above educational materials… but whatever you do, please get involved with the Jewish community near you this Shabbat and help keep Jews Jewish.
Whether this Shabbat (Oct 27-28) is the first Shabbat you will be observing or if you are already Sabbath observant hosting many Jewish seekers, please make this Shabbat the best ever for you and those you care about.
It has been said that “More than the Jews have kept Shabbat… the Shabbat has kept the Jews”
Well in advance, I wish you Shabbat Shalom.
PS. You can read about my 5-year involvement with the Hebrew-Christian missionary movement here https://jewsforjudaism.ca/from-messianic-jew-to-counter-missionary/
Julius Ciss
Executive Director, JEWS FOR JUDAISM
3110 Bathurst St, PO Box 54042, Toronto, ON, CANADA M6A 3B7
T: 416-789-0020 ext #2 • F: 416-789-0030 • C: 416-826-6718
juliusciss@jewsforjudaism.ca
VISIT: http://www.jewsforjudaism.ca
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/jewsforjudaismcanada
YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/user/JewsforJudaismCanada
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JewsforJudaism1
DONATE: https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/24741
MY ART: http://www.juliusciss.com
