It’s a Trans-denominational, Multi-congregational, Inter-generational Havdalah Service

By Education Fellow Amanda Winer

The title of this post sounds like a Broadway song, doesn’t it?

It actually describes a recent program that we had the pleasure of organizing for two partner congregations in South Texas—Temple Beth El in Brownsville (unaffiliated) and Temple Emanuel in McAllen (Reform).

Second year Education Fellow Erin Kahal and I coordinated our spring visits to Brownsville and McAllen, respectively, and we put together this great Havdalah service on South Padre Island as a joint program for our communities. We thought it would be nice to share some pictures from the event.

The beautiful sea side setting for Havdalah
The beautiful seaside setting for our Havdalah service.
Notice the braided border on this invitation.  Very Havdalah-themed.
Notice the braided border on this invitation. Very Havdalah-themed.
Me and Erin at the beach.
Me and Erin at the beach.
We had participants of all ages.
We had participants of all ages.
The ceremony distinguishes between the holiness of Shabbat and the everyday nature of the new week.
The ceremony distinguishes between the holiness of Shabbat and the everyday nature of the new week.
Tessa Galloso, 13, headed up the snack committee.
Tessa Galloso (center), 13, headed up the snack committee.
Each student was responsible for one of the Havdalah sets.
Each student was responsible for one of the Havdalah sets.
Participants reading from a handout with appropriate songs and blessings.
Participants read from handouts with appropriate songs and blessings.
We had an amazing time bringing these two communities together!
We had an amazing time bringing these two communities together!

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this program possible!

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