A MESSAGE FROM OUR CNT PRESIDENT

Last week—on the day after Thanksgiving, better known as Black Friday—my family continued our traditional annual Thanksgiving weekend celebrations.

Each year, 40–50 of us gather on Thanksgiving Day at my home or at another family member’s home. Four generations come together, along with all the in-laws, for a day to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy a feast.

On Friday, we gathered at my nephew’s home for what has become our Black Friday feast. My daughter, Sydney, often celebrates her birthday on Thanksgiving weekend as well, depending on the calendar.

All this is to say: our family tradition has grown into four days of food, fun, laughter, more food, and lots of time together.

Many in Congregation Ner Tamid have their own traditions. This past Friday, while my family was sharing its annual meal, CNT held Shabbat services led by Rob Goldstein. It being the day after Thanksgiving, few congregants were in attendance—but those few are among the dedicated individuals who make a tradition of attending Shabbat services religiously (pun intended).

CNT plays many roles for our community: a place for Religious School learning, a safe and welcoming Jewish space, a center for social action, a home for holiday celebrations and High Holy Day observance, and of course, a place to welcome Shabbat with candles, prayers, wine, challah, and the warmth of Oneg.

The Pulpit leadership of Rabbi Prass, Rob Goldstein, and Robert Simon—as well as the ongoing work of our Ritual Committee—truly represents the heart and soul of Congregation Ner Tamid as it was 20 years ago when CNT was being formed. 

Todah Rabbah to each of them for helping keep the traditions of Shabbat alive for all who seek it, need it, and benefit from it. And for the record: The homemade challah of the week crafted by Rob G was a Cranberry Sauce Challah. Yum!!

With a focus on community,

Matt Berenson

President, Congregation Ner Tamid

We invite you to join us for Shabbat Services

Friday evenings at 7:30 pm.

Our upcoming Shabbat services will be led by:

December 5 - Rob Goldstein

December 12 - Rabbi Prass

Dine and Discuss

Friday, December 12 at 6:30 pm

Come join Rabbi Prass as we examine some of the origins and traditions of Hanukkah. Then we will look at how these traditions have been adapted over time and around the world. Bring your own dinner and be prepared to learn!

Services to follow at 7:30 pm.

Hanukkah Shabbat

Friday, December 19 at 7:30 pm

Bring your menorahs and candles and join us as we kindle the lights of Hanukkah together during Shabbat services!

After services enjoy doughnuts during oneg!

Annual Community Menorah Lighting!

Saturday, December 20 at 6:30 pm

SAVE THE DATE!

Luxury Cabin Fundraising Raffle

Win a 3-night stay at "Whiskey Hollow Lodge"

in Blue Ridge!

Tickets are just $25 each! The drawing will occur at our Menorah Lighting on December 20. Click here for more information on this beautiful cabin! To purchase tickets please write to info@mynertamid.org.

Community Snapshots

Community Shabbat Dinner

At our final community Shabbat dinner of the year, it was a wonderful evening of delicious food! Greek chicken souvlaki with rice and lemon potatoes, Brazilian brisket, salad, baklava...needless to say our taste buds were well satisfied! And most importantly, it was an opportunity for families and friends to pause their busy lives and connect with each another in a meaningful way.

We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Atlanta for Gather Grant funding for this event!