Reflections on a Beautiful Summer Evening: Shabbat on the Lake
When nearly 700 people come together on one night to celebrate Shabbat, we know that this community is truly something special. Shabbat on the Lake took place on Friday, August 5, and this year we expanded this beloved annual event to two locations. 600 young adults gathered on the lakefront at the Waveland Clock Tower in the city while more than 80 people came together in Evanston for our first ever Family Shabbat on the Lake.
Both events were filled with friends—new and old— interactive workshops, activities, food and blessings, all with the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan as the backdrop.
“This day really is one of my favorites,” said Ilene Uhlmann, Director of Adult Programs for JCC Chicago. “This year’s Shabbat on the Lake was our most amazing one yet. The evening was filled with workshops like yoga, meditation, music, Israeli dancing, speed painting and more. I love this summer tradition of seeing friends come together to celebrate Shabbat and spend an evening together.”
“We loved welcoming young families to our first ever Family Shabbat on the Lake,” said Andi Kaufman, JCC Chicago’s Director of Teen and Family Engagement. “The weather was perfect and the feeling on the lakefront that evening was remarkable.”
