There is a story in the Talmud (Beitza 16a) about Shamai the Elder who would spend the entire week thinking about Shabbat. On Monday if he saw a beautiful animal (for eating) he would say, “this is for Shabbat.” If on the next day he saw a better looking animal, Shamai would eat the first animal and save the better one for Shabbat.

Shabbat is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day to relax, learn a little, and celebrate with friends and family. Our CSI family celebrates Shabbat to its fullest. There are often special Shabbat dinners and programs. On Saturday mornings, we offer special services for people of all different ages and levels. After the service we all gather together for our Kiddush luncheons where we spend part of the afternoon making new friends and catching up with old ones. Whenever there is a program on Saturday evening, havdallah (the service ending Shabbat) is recited.