Guess who came to Shabbas

Midbar Kodesh Temple hosted the third in a series of "Guess Who's Coming For Shabbas" dinners, part of a national program that brings synagogue families together to share the Shabbat home experience. On this month's designated Shabbat, 68 people participated in the homes of 8 hosts, bringing the total over 220 people who have participated and enjoyed Shabbat together.

Stuart and Sandy Stern brought this concept to Midbar Kodesh Temple where members met and visited other member families that they had never met before.

"The group experience made Shabbat special for us," said Sandy Stern. "Hosts are already lining up for the fall schedule."

"Everyone I've heard from had a great time," noted Andrew Spivak, the Director of Advancement for Midbar Kodesh Temple. "We want to thank our host families for making it such a meaningful night for everyone involved."

The host families included Janis and Harvey Riceberg, Janet and Kent Wellish, Gail Prince and Armand Attia, Jane Kusel, Susan and Chuck Schwartz, Susan and Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel, Roza and Dave Gavrin, and Sandy and Stuart Stern.

The evening concluded at the synagogue with an inspiring and musical Shabbat service.

The program began with the families at Temple Sinai in Dresher, Pennsylvania in memory of Bernie Albert, whose family chose to honor their husband and father in this special way. The response was so great that synagogues across the country have brought the program to their own congregations.

Midbar Kodesh Temple is the Conservative synagogue in Green Valley Ranch, hosting Shabbat services each Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Shabbat morning at 9:00 a.m. Sunday minyan is held each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. with Monday and Thursday minyan at 7:00 a.m.