Shabbat Ruach

INTRODUCING:

What is Shabbat Ruach?

Shabbat Ruach is Or Shalom’s brand-new monthly spirited Shabbat experience for all ages! While Tot Shabbat and J² services used to take place on separate days, Shabbat Ruach maintains a unique experience for each age group with the added benefit of a shared community celebration.

Each Shabbat Ruach gathering features three special components:

• 5:30pm - Tot Shabbat for our youngest participants

• 6:00pm - community pizza dinner open to everyone

• 7:00pm - congregational Shabbat service featuring J² classes

Shabbat Ruach Cards

This year, we're introducing a Shabbat incentive program as a fun way for students to connect with Shabbat, joy, and tradition! Each student will receive a Shabbat Ruach card. Each time they attend a Shabbat service at Or Shalom, they'll earn a star on their card, tracking their progress toward two exciting rewards:

Shabbat Ruach 2025 - 2026 Calendar

FAQs

Q: Is registration required for Shabbat Ruach?

A: Registration is required for the community pizza dinner and is highly encouraged for all portions of the evening, though walk-ins for Tot Shabbat and J² class-led services are welcome.

Each Shabbat Ruach gathering has a unique registration. Click HERE to register for Shabbat Ruach on October 24, and stay tuned for registration to go live for future Shabbat Ruach dates!

Q: How much does it cost to attend Shabbat Ruach?

A: The cost to attend a Shabbat Ruach community dinner is $10/family. If you are only attending Tot Shabbat and/or the J² class-led service, registration is free.

Q: I have a child in preschool and another in 6th grade. Can I bring my 6th grader to Tot Shabbat/my preschooler to the 7:00pm J² class-led service?

A: Absolutely! While Tot Shabbat and J² class-led services are geared toward specific age groups, all ages are welcome to attend any part of the evening.

Q: Can families who are not members of Or Shalom/not enrolled in J² attend Shabbat Ruach?

A: Yes, Shabbat Ruach is open to the whole community - and yes, that includes Shabbat Ruach cards!

Q: I'm a parent/guardian/fun-loving adult. Can I also get a Shabbat Ruach card? 

A: We love your spirit! However, Shabbat Ruach cards are reserved as a special incentive program for children and students only.

Q: Do students only earn a star on their Shabbat Ruach card for Shabbat Ruach services?

A: Nope - attendance at any Shabbat service at Or Shalom counts as one additional star!

Q: Does attending both Tot Shabbat and a J² class-led service earn two stars?

A: Attending any/all portions of a Shabbat Ruach gathering earns one star.

Q: My child doesn't like ice cream/arcades. Do you offer any alternative rewards?

A: Yes! We can provide non-dairy frozen treats, and we'll have quiet activities set up as an alternative to the arcade games in a quiet area of the arcade.

Q: What if my child loses their Shabbat Ruach card?

A: Not to worry! All Shabbat Ruach cards are kept at Or Shalom. Any missing cards will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Q: I have another question not listed here. Who should I contact?

A: For any other questions or concerns about Shabbat Ruach, please email Gia Heritsch, Executive Administrator for Clergy & Education Operations, at gheritsch@orshalomLC.com or Rabbi Sarah at rabbisarah@orshalomLC.com.