The Shamas, A Warm Welcome

An engaged Jewish life can provide deep meaning and strong community, and we strive to achieve both. -- Kolot Chayeinu Mission Statement

The presence of a shamas at each Shabbat service is a valued Kolot tradition.  The shamas serves as host,  offering a warm welcome to all who come through our doors: visitors, new members, Shabbat  regulars and those who attend less frequently.  In taking on this role, we follow in the footsteps of Abraham, who hastened to welcome the  strangers that appeared at his tent and Rebecca, who gave water to human and animal guests.

Currently, the shamas group comprises approximately 60 members who have volunteered  to take  on this task.   They receive periodic e-mails from the shamas coordinator, Kathy August, with a list of dates for which shamases are needed.  Prior to their date, the volunteers   receive an e-mail with Shamas Instructions.   Two shamases are assigned to each Shabbat in order to respond more personally  to questions and concerns. 

Volunteering to be a shamas offers Kolotniks an opportunity to serve the community in an enjoyable fashion.  It providers a way for new members to meet people and is a blessing not only to the community, but to the shamas as well.

Shamas Instructions

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