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

Southern & Jewish

Southern & Jewish celebrates the stories, people, and experiences – past and present – of Jewish life in the American South. Hosted by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, posts come from educators, students, rabbis, parents, artists, and many other “visitors-to and daily-livers-of” the Southern Jewish experience. From road trips to recipes to reflections, we’ll explore a little bit of everything – well, at least all things Southern and/or Jewish. Shalom, y’all!

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

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this program possible!