Shabbat Dinners

Each month, Tze'irim hosts Shabbat dinners either at Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, or in people's homes. See the home page for the
latest event.

To volunteer to host a dinner, please email us at:
shabbatwithoutchairs@yahoo.com.

  
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  Each month,we invite Jews in their 20s and 30s to join us for our Shabbat Without Chairs potluck dinners. These home-hosted dinners vary in theme, size and location in and around the city of New York. The dinners are potluck, and people bring a variety of main dishes, side dishes and desserts for our home-hosted meals. See "What to Bring for Dinner" below for ideas.

Want to host a dinner or dessert? Email us at: shabbatwithoutchairs@yahoo.com.

Two years ago, Tze'irim coined the term Shabbat Without Chairs, when it was discovered that we could fit a large number of people in their 20s and 30s into apartments for home hosted Shabbat dinners, if more people stood than sat. These dinners are held in Tze'irim members' apartments, often on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, close to the BJ synagogue.

  
   
     
  Tze'irim members also host traditional Shabbat dinners and lunches in their homes for the community. These events allow us to have a sit-down meal together and foster discussion of pertinent topics in Jewish life, as well as the weekly Torah portion. These lunches have also coincided with BJ's celebration of the 100th birthday of Abraham Joshua Heschel with the disussion of his book "The Sabbath."

Several times each year, Tze'irim participates in the Shabbat Onegs sponsored by BJ. These evenings take place the first Friday evening of the month, starting in November, after Shabbat services, and are a great way to meet members of the BJ and Tze'irim communites. There is always a large contingent of Tze'irim folks attending these evenings.		  
     
   
   
  We need hosts for upcoming dinners this Fall! You do not need a large apartment, just the desire to open your home to a few fellow Jews. All you provide are the paper plates/utensils; your guests provide the rest. The Tze'irim Shabbat committee even helps with setup and cleanup! Email shabbatwithoutchairs@yahoo.com to register.  
     
   
   
  In order to create a beautiful dinner in the spirit of Shabbat, it is extremely important that everyone contribute equally to the dinner, and that everyone bring something substantial. Because it is a potluck, we count on each other. It is important that you bring what you've signed up to bring, or contact shabbatwithoutchairs@yahoo.com in sufficient time in advance if there will be a change.

We would like to offer the following guidelines:
*Our dinners are always vegetarian. Store bought or homemade foods are equally appreciated, so don't worry if you're not a chef!
*What you're bringing should feed between 8-10 people.
*Every person should be spending around $10-$15 on his/her contribution.
*We always have more than enough wine and dessert.
Please consider bringing a main course or side dish, which are always especially needed.
A baked ziti or tofu and vegetable dish always goes a long way!
*If you would like some suggestions of things to bring, or where to buy prepared foods, please ask.

*Please bring the address with you to services.
*Please arrive promptly after services.
The late service is at 7:15 pm, at B'nai Jeshurun (West 88th St. between Broadway and West End Avenue).
* In the spirit of Shabbat, please do not use your cell phone.
*Unless approved, please do not bring any last-minute guests.

The following are possible food choices that you can bring to a Shabbat Without Chairs potluck dinner.
NOTE: All dishes must be dairy or vegetarian. Be sure to prepare enough for at least eight people.

Main Dishes:
Dairy dish: (quiche, blintzes, bagels and cream cheese)
Fish platter: (salmon, lox, whitefish etc).
Pasta or noodle dish: (lasagna, baked ziti, pasta salad)
Vegetarian dish: (tofu stir-fry, rice and beans, etc.)
I can't quite classify this dish, but it will be really good!

Side Dishes:
Spread, Salatim - 3 large containers - (Hummus, Tabouli, Turkish salad, Matbucha) Soups: (buttenut squash, french onion, vegetable, lentil, tomato) Salads or vegetable platters: (mixed greens salad, couscous, green beans)

Challah and Wine:
Two loaves of Challah
Two bottles of wine

Dessert:
Cake, pie, cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, sorbet, mousse, pudding, etc.