Shabbat @Home 

Why We’re Doing This 
At United Hebrew, we know that meaningful community is built through relationships, not only in the sanctuary, but around tables, in living rooms, and through shared experiences.  
Shabbat @Home is a Friday evening Shabbat dinner initiative designed to create smaller, more personal spaces where people can slow down, connect, and feel known. 

By gathering in homes every 6–8 weeks, we are strengthening the fabric of our congregation, one table at a time. 

What is Shabbat @Home? 

Shabbat @Home is a Friday evening Shabbat dinner program in which UH members open their homes to host small Shabbat gatherings. These dinners create opportunities for meaningful conversation, connection, and shared Shabbat rituals in a warm, informal setting. 

When does Shabbat @Home take place? 

Shabbat @Home gatherings take place on Friday evenings. Hosts choose the timing that works best for them. It may be: 

• before Friday night services 
• during services 
• or after services 

There is no single required start time; flexibility is intentional and allows each host to shape the evening in a way that feels comfortable. 

Will there still be Shabbat services at the synagogue? 

Yes. There will still be a Shabbat evening service, and on Shabbat @Home weekends, there will be a Shabbat morning service in the sanctuary the following day. Shabbat @Home is meant to complement, not replace, our communal worship. 

Participation & Matching 

How do I participate? 

All hosts and guests must sign up through the Shabbat @Home forms on the UH website. This allows the synagogue office to manage matching and communication. 

Do I sign up to attend a specific home? 

No. Guests do not sign up for a specific home. The synagogue office matches hosts and guests based on the information provided. 

If you believe someone you know may be hosting and would like to be matched with them, you are welcome to include their name in the comments section of the form. While we cannot guarantee specific placements, we will do our best to honor requests. 

How are hosts and guests matched? 

Matches are made by the synagogue office using details from the registration forms, including: 

• household makeup and ages of children 
• dietary needs and allergies 
• accessibility considerations 
• location 
• preferences noted in comments 

Our goal is to create welcoming, comfortable groupings that support meaningful connections. 

When will I receive the details? 

Once matches are finalized, both hosts and guests will be notified by email. Hosts will then reach out directly to their assigned guests before Shabbat to share timing, menu plans, and any additional details. 

FOR HOSTS

 What is expected of hosts? 

Hosts agree to open their homes for one Friday evening Shabbat dinner. There are set dates, which can be found on our website.  Hosting is meant to feel manageable and welcoming. 

Hosts are asked to: 

• set the timing and tone for the evening 
• provide the dinner or main dish (potluck-style meals are welcome and encouraged if preferred) 
• contact assigned guests before Shabbat 

Do I need to know how to lead Shabbat? 

No. Shabbat @Home is designed for people of all experience levels. The focus is on connection, not expertise.  United Hebrew will provide a Shabbat kit with candles, challah, special challah cover, blessings, and conversation starters. 

Do I have to host more than once? 

No. We are asking hosts to commit to hosting just once. Hosting again is entirely optional. 

Can I invite people I know? 

Yes. Hosts may invite guests they already know along with others who the office will assign. 

If you are interested in hosting, please fill out this form.

FOR GUESTS

What is expected of guests? 

Guests are asked to arrive on time, participate respectfully, and help create a warm Shabbat atmosphere. If requested, guests may bring a side dish, dessert, or beverage. 

Do I need to know how to lead Shabbat? 

No.  Shabbat @Home is designed for people of all experience levels. The focus is on connection, not expertise. 

What if I have dietary needs or accessibility concerns? 

Please note these on your registration form so we can make an appropriate match. 

I Still Have Questions

If you’re unsure whether hosting or attending is right for you, or if you’d like to talk through logistics, please contact Sari Levy slevy@unitedhebrew.org or Rabbi Rosenberg brosenberg@unitedhebrew.org   We’re happy to help.