The beer dive for adults is about to begin.
Freshly cut grass, chlorine, sunscreen, and melted popsicles are the scents of summer usually found by the pool at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus.
On the evening of Friday, August 29 at the YAD and JCC End of Summer Shabbat Dinner and Pool Party, new aromas filled the air: that of a Shabbat candle’s flame, freshly baked challah, a Shabbat meal, and the sweet grape fragrance of Shabbat wine.
A feast for the senses, new sites and sounds presented themselves poolside: Splashing water. “Marco Polo.” Screams down a slide. “L’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.” Chewing food. “Hamotzi lechem min haaretz.” Sipping and slurping grape juice and wine. “L’chaim!”
A non-stop extravaganza filled with Shabbat and summer fun, the pool party and games started at 5 pm. By 6 pm, the sun was setting, signaling everyone to gather to light the Shabbat candles and recite the blessings, beginning the ceremonial portion of the evening followed by dinner. By 6:45 pm, participants had time to digest their challah and Shabbat meal, and begin preparations for the pie-eating contest.
Not many were left standing after the pie-eating contest, but all left that night with full hearts and stuffed stomachs. As the stars appeared, summer came to a close, along with the festivities, but the community looked forward to fall and more Shabbat celebrations.
—Those interested in seeing more photos from the event, or to tag yourself, can go to the Simon Family JCC’s Facebook page at fb.com/simonfamilyj.
Gaby Grune