We invite you to end your week and welcome Shabbat with us!

This year, Cantors Bortnick and Hamstra, along with Washington Hebrew Congregation’s volunteer choir, Kol Rinah, will be crafting two Classical Shabbat experiences that will remind us of the musical legacy we hold here at WHC. The first is tonight, as we feature Jewish composers of the late 20th century. Ben Steinberg, Michael Isaacson, and Aminadav Aloni are three of many composers whose music filled sanctuaries with stunning Shabbat melodies crafted for full choir and cantor. Join us as we celebrate Shabbat and Veterans Day with blessings, praises, and a spectacular musical experience.

At 6:00 pm and again after the service: Have something to eat (to tide you over or as your dinner), a drink (we offer a full bar, plus non-alcoholic options), and connect with your community.

Kids are always welcome, and they’ll be able to eat before (and after) the service, play Connect 4, Jenga, and cornhole games, create at a coloring table, and do other arts & crafts activities.

6:30 pm – Our Shabbat service begins. We will pay special tribute to all of the veterans in our congregation who have courageously served and protected our country. If you are a Veteran (or someone in your family is/was), we’d love to see a photo of them in uniform to share during the service. You can submit your pictures here.

Lt. Col Paul Steketee (R) with some Passover matzah at the Marine Barracks D.C.

We are honored to be joined by Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. Executive Officer Lt. Col. Paul W. Steketee who will speak in place of our usual sermon. Under Steketee, Marine Barracks Washington saw the first ever female company commanders and 1st Sergeants of the historic Marching Companies, and next summer, a female Marine Colonel will take command at the Barracks for the first time in a 220+ year history.

Lieutenant Colonel Steketee’s experience in the operating forces includes combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005, humanitarian and disaster relief in September 2005 to Mississippi and Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina, and a Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) deployment in 2005-2006 which took him to Lebanon, Pakistan, Jordan, and theater support to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lieutenant Colonel Steketee also served in Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

After the service – Stay for dessert with an ice cream station sponsored by The Besters, or more dinner and drinks!

Special thanks to our musicians who add so much to the service. We wouldn’t have them without the support of the Irene & Abe Pollin Music Program Initiative.

This week’s featured menu items include:
(GF – Gluten-free, V – Vegetarian, VG – Vegan)

• Scallion Dijon Potato Salad (GF, VG)
• Cilantro Lime Cole Slaw (GF, VG)
• Country Fried Chicken
• Beyond Cheeseburgers (V, VG without Cheese)

If you would like to sponsor a portion of a future Shabbat@WHC to celebrate a milestone or honor a memory, please contact Lindsay Feldman, Executive Director, at lfeldman@whctemple.org.