As the calendar year changes, the CBE community is continuing its active and spiritually fulfilling year. We are fortunate to have such a vibrant community where volunteerism serves as the backbone for so many of our wonderful programs. In that vein, Shabbat services, the focal point of the Jewish week, need the same level of support as so many of our other events at the synagogue.
Oneg means “delight”. Certainly, the Oneg Shabbat and Holiday Kiddushes are a source of delight to our community, helping all of us welcome the Shabbat with our friends over light refreshments.
Oneg Assignment
Congregation Beth Elohim Sisterhood is responsible for coordinating sponsors to host Onegai Shabbat and Holiday Kiddushes following services. In the tradition of the CBE, members of the entire Congregation participate in hosting the Onegs. Specific dates are assigned to all members of the congregation in alphabetical order. Each family should expect to be asked to sponsor an Oneg once every two to three years, depending upon the size of our community in the years ahead. Families are assigned beginning their first year as synagogue members and we try to assure that at least one family assigned has experience in being an Oneg host. You will receive a letter with the name and contact information of your co-host family so you can coordinate your Oneg date. You will be sent an instruction sheet that provides you a guide to host.If you are assigned a date to host, having two or three families makes hosting an Oneg a breeze, but we understand that sometimes that is not possible to attend on your assigned date. In this case we ask that if one family is unable to physically be present for the Oneg, we ask that as co-hosts, arrangements are made so there are at least two adults attending. In some cases, this may mean that you will need to find a substitute if you cannot be there and the co-host family cannot have two adults present.
We are sure that you appreciate that the synagogue office does not have the capability to coordinate substitutes. If you are unable to participate it is your responsibility to find another family to take your place from the list of other families you will be sent as part of your oneg assignment package. We will provide all host families with a list of other families assigned for the quarter so that you will have the ability to arrange a switch. In addition you should contact the co-host family to make them aware of the substitution and provide with the necessary contact information so they can coordinate with the new family. We will send out a reminder email to the hosting families about three weeks prior to their selected date so you have time to ensure the attendance of two adults so please be sure to pass along the necessary information to the substitute family immediately when you receive it, as well as Sisterhood (drhoni@comcast.com) in order that the substitute family receive the reminder.
Life Happens….
In the event that a truly extenuating situation arises - i.e. severe illness or death in the family, hospitalization, etc. - please let Honi Kawut (978) 266-9722 know immediately. In these emergency circumstances, we will work with you to coordinate oneg coverage. But, please, out of courtesy for your fellow congregant volunteers, respect that we can only do this when a true emergency arises (and we will nicely request this of you if you phone with a non-emergency situation). If you are called away on business, for example, it is your responsibility to arrange a substitute. Please work with your co-host family to coordinate. It may be that they can cover the hosting with two adults. In this case, please do your part in contributing to providing refreshments. If they cannot handle the hosting, please arrange coverage with another family from the list provided.Volunteer to Host an Oneg!
As always, you may volunteer to host an Oneg for a special simcha or pair up with family friends and start Shabbat together. We are asking that families please call or email Judy Budiansky in the synagogue office to get on the oneg schedule. When you do schedule to do an Oneg, please be aware that the date is reserved for you and your other host family and is unable to be changed. This is a great way to reserve a date that works for your schedule, host with a friend, and honor a special occasion. Some suggestions on occasions for which you might consider hosting an oneg:o In honor of a bar or bat mitzvah
o Baby naming
o Upcoming nuptials or Auf ruf (pre-wedding ceremony)
o Birthday or anniversary
o Graduation
o Business honorWhat a nice way to honor those individuals who are important in your life!
Have it Catered!
In response to input over the past few years and knowing how busy everyone is, we have developed and exciting new way to take the shopping out of hosting Onegs for the 2006-2007 year! For members of our congregation who don’t feel they have the time prepare or shop, we are excited to offer a catering option. We have a standing order at Roche Bros. Catering desk for a fruit and dessert platter that are sufficient to host a regular or Tot Shabbat oneg. Ordering is easy! All you need to do is call Ann Doucette at Catering, 978-263-8700 and state that you want to place the order for CBE. You will be charged $19.95 for the cookies and brownies (there will be two cookie and brownie platters for Tot Shabbat), and $34.95 for the fruit bowl. You are free to add to the order, or substitute other types of cookies or pastries if you would like to vary from the standing order. Please note, however, that the Temple is “nut free” so keep this in mind when you place your order (there are a few members and children with allergies so this is important). Half and half for coffee, juice and seltzer are part of the standing order. Payment can be made in person, by credit card over the phone or even online! This gives Oneg co-hosts an easy, delicious way to host their one. If some families want to add that personal touch and supply home baked goods, they can work it out with their co-host family. In addition, Roche Bros. offers delivery of the platters for an additional $15 for those who are unable to pick up the order. When ordering, please inform them if you are opting for delivery, as you will be billed for this as well. Please specify if you are hosting a regular service versus a Tot Shabbat when you order. Please remember, though, that you and your co-host family must still arrange for at least two adults to be present during the oneg to serve as hosts.This option has added more choices to hosting an oneg. Take an opportunity to wind down your week and welcome Shabbat with family and friends….
Join us all in the delight of the Shabbat Oneg! We look forward to seeing you on Friday night.
Best regards and thanks in advance for your participation in our community!The CBE Sisterhood Board