8th 1-800-Shabbat draws 81

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2008-10-15T00:00:00

The eighth 1-800-Shabbat in Portland attracted 81 young adults (singles and couples ages 21-39) on Sept. 19.
 
The evening began with optional services at the Portland Jewish Academy chapel, led by Rabbi Tzvi Fischer of the Portland Kollel. Following services, participants broke into groups of four to eight and had dinner with 16 host families. At least 30 people were attending their first 1-800-Shabbat.
 
The event was sponsored by Portland Jewish Events and The Moishe House
 

Sarah Lotstein introduced the program followed by a d’var torah by newcomer Eleanor Goldberg, who attended Jewish day school through grade 12 in New York City.
 
After dinner, participants reassembled at the Moishe House for an after party that lasted from about 10 p.m. until 3 a.m.
 
“Everything was strictly kosher and strictly fun,” said organizer Jodi Berris. “Participants ranged from people who had never experienced such a traditional Shabbat dinner to those who do it weekly.”
 
Plans are under way for 1-800-Shabbat No. 9 in February 2009 and another in early July 2009 to celebrate the fourth anniversary since its inception in Portland July 15, 2005.
 
The 1-800 events average 70-100 people, ages 21-39.
 
“I love 1-800,” said Berris, who brought the program to Portland nearly four years ago. “It’s such a mix master event on so many levels—mixing all of the participants together and then mixing them with host families. Each time the concoction just works and people have a great experience.  It’s a mix of activities, all in one night. It’s part social and it’s part exposure to Jewish tradition.”
 
The planning committee for the evening was Jodi Berris, Lindsay Kohn, Eleanor Goldberg, Marcus Dorsen, Alison Donin, Ben Banner, Ben Olds, Rachel  Kornfeld, Aaron Imlah and Sarah Lotstein.