Sabbath at Aish

So, yesterday I went to my first Shabbos morning service at the Aish near my house - and walked.  Samantha came with me, Jordana stayed home with Matthew who had taken the day off (and still only got half a day off).  Samantha enjoyed the service mostly because there was a Bar Mitzvah and we got to throw candies at the Bar Mitzvah boy over the Mechitza (divider that divides the women from the men).

Once upon a time, I thought the Mechitza was a patriarchal way of keeping women out of men's view.  Now I understand the meaning of the Michitza is two-fold.  It's so both men and women can focus on their prayers and their devotion to G-d without the distraction of one's spouse.  When you're in services you are not supposed to focus on anything besides your prayers (and making sure your children are behaving).

During his sermon, the Rabbi made sure to stand at the front where he could be seen by both the men and the women. And, he also introduced me to the congregation.  During the services, several of the women helped me find where we were in the service.  I felt so welcome and comfortable.

After services Samantha and I stayed for the Kiddush lunch, which consisted of cholent (a bean stew, slow cooked overnight, as we are not supposed to 'light a fire' during the Sabbath), kugel, which I assume was also 'slow-cooked', but was burnt a bit - still yummy, though!, cookies, cake and because of the Bar Mitzvah, a chocolate "tfillin" cake (tfillin, are phylacteries - small boxes with leather straps that are bound around the arm and the head of men during specific prayers - morning prayers, usually. The boxes have prayer scrolls in them).

After lunch, we helped tidy up, then Samantha and I walked home.  Not once did my little girl complain about the walk (it was windy, cold and snowy).  She enjoyed the service, got to have some of the candy we threw at the Bar Mitzvah boy, and enjoyed meeting the Rabbi and Rebbitzin's daughter Ayelet. (she's 2).  I am looking forward to next Saturday's services!