What is Shabbat House? According to Rabbi Boruch and Devorah Klar, it is the most exciting and revolutionary project they have ever worked on. Coming from the people who brought the Jewish Renaissance Fair to New Jersey and all kind of other creative and innovative Jewish programming for the past 40 years, that says a lot.
The mission statement of Shabbat House is "to share the love and joy of Shabbat with every Jewish family in Essex County...To engender a revolution in the way we celebrate our Judaism and discover what is truly important in life and our personal growth."
Says Rabbi Klar, co-founder and co-director of Shabbat House, "This is a Judaism I didn't have growing up. It's different. It's alive and relevant and fun."
Devorah says, "It's time for each of us to stop, take an account of what is really important in life, family, friends, personal and communal growth. Shabbat is the gift from G-d that keeps on giving. It's for each one of us to discover and express who we really are and how we find meaning in life and make a difference. And guess what? It's fun!"
"Shabbat at the Klars is magical and meaningful," says Debbie Hochberg. "My three children and I were blessed to be able to spend many Shabbats with the Klars and their lovely family and the positive impact of those days had a strong influence on all of us and will remain with us forever. So the story goes that when people are trying to find their way to the Klars' house, they are told, 'You can't miss it - it is the happiest place in town.'
"This is true. There is joy and love and warmth and spirituality. Everyone is always welcome with open arms and open hearts. The feelings of warmth and spiritual fulfilment you have when you leave will linger long after Shabbat is over and will have a positive effect on your everyday life. And you will for sure look forward to returning - again and again. Like I did!"
The Klars have hopes that Shabbat House will reach across the denominations, from unaffiliated to Orthodox. In fact, the concept of Shabbat House solidified for the couple after they participated in the Shabbat Project, an attempt to have Jews across the world and the denominational spectrum observe Shabbat together on one particular day each year. West Orange Orthodox and liberal congregations have collaborated in participating in the project over the last two years. "I saw what happened at the Shabbat Project, and I could not believe how much it pulled the community together," said Rabbi Klar.
They learned through that project that many of the Orthodox families in town were not having guests over for Shabbat and realized that through Shabbat House, the entire Shabbat guest experience would expand. "Shabbat House is open to anyone across the spectrum of Judaism, whether you have Shabbat every week but are just too tired to cook for guests, or you've never been to a Shabbat dinner and want to try one," said Devorah.
She added, "It's a place where we all leave the world behind and come into a place of joy and light and festivity and food and friends."
Guests Suzanne and Eilliot Grossman shared: "Shabbat dinner with the KIars........a joy-filled evening. The glow of the bright candles, the delicious aromas of the wonderful feast, friendly hugs, cheerful singing, sharing of stories all create an incredible event. A time to relax, reflect, rejoice.....Thank you for sharing your time, energy and passion to create amazing memories."
"Spending Shabbat with Rabbi and Devorah Klar elevates the experience to a higher spiritual level. It changed the way we look at Friday nights!" said Tami and Larry Prince.
"Rabbi and Devorah Klar are masters at bringing people together on a Friday night and turning it into a memorable and lasting Shabbat experience!”
From ShabbatHouse.org, an article by Johanna Ginsberg in the New Jersey Jewish News and an article from jewishlinknj.com.
The Klars say, "Our celebration of Judaism must be meaningful, incredibly relevant to our personal and family growth, and most importantly, joyous. Perhaps one day, not so far off, our Shabbat House prototype will be replicated in communities around the country and around the world."
The Klars are used to having a crowd for Shabbat; he is the Essex County Chabad director, and together they've often hosted as many as 70 people in their home for Friday evening or Saturday meals.
Regardless of the multitudes they have reached at their Shabbat table over the decades, the Klars believe this traditional experience - which, when done well, provides spiritual and physical nourishment - need not be too dependent on personal interaction with them or someone in their circle. "Before Shabbat House, to come to my house, you needed an invitation," said Boruch.
With the launch of Shabbat House, guests no longer need invitations; they sign up online. Like a Shabbat meal in someone's home, the experience is free, as are all the other activities. (And, like other Chabad ventures, Shabbat House will accept and depend on donations.)
Shabbat House is not a synagogue. In a more basic way, as a Chabad rabbi, Klar's philosophy is to meet people where they are. "Our Chabad has a synagogue. But more than 80% of Jews don't go to synagogue. People aren't in synagogue for a variety of reasons including a lack of knowledge, discomfort, and Jewish illiteracy. But what do you need as a prerequisite to enjoy a gourmet Shabbat meal? Nothing! It's just a lot of fun."
Rabbi Klar has an easy manner and is quick with a smile, a story, or a joke. Devorah becomes animated as she describes her vision of facilitating people cooking in the kitchen for Shabbat and any number of ideas she has to enhance the experience. "It will enhance the experience."
