Deadline to register for dinner has ended, but you can still attend services in-person or on our regular Zoom.
No registration required for the services, open to all!

The evening will begin with Jewish ethnic foods from Sephardic traditions. Shabbat services will feature the Ahavat Olam ensemble led by founding Rabbi/Cantor Idan Irelander.

5:30 pm Appetizers
6:00 pm Shabbat Dinner
7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Evening Service
Followed by Oneg Shabbat dessert and refreshments

The “Sephardic Shabbat Unplugged” is part of Rabbi Idan’s Shabbat Olam series, “Shabbat Around the World.” The program reflects the distinctive musical traditions of diverse Sephardic Jewish communities from Spain, Portugal, Africa and the Middle East. Rabbi Idan’s Sephardic ensemble is comprised of professional musicians from Arab countries, the Americas and Israel. Using the liturgy of the Friday night service, Rabbi Idan’s compositions include original arrangements for familiar prayers and songs, such as Sh’ma, Shalom Aleichem and L’cha Dodi.

Rabbi Idan Irelander started his musical journey in Israel when he was 15 years old. He performed with well-known musical groups and singers and arranged several albums for Israeli musicians. He left Israel in 1997 after receiving a Berklee College of Music B.E.S.T. scholarship to major in composition and film scoring. After completing his studies in Boston with high honors, Idan received the Berklee College of Music Award for Composition Excellence and the Berklee College of Music Award for Achievement in Film Scoring.

This event was conceived by Ben Freedman z"l, who was an active member of TBA. The program was delayed three years because of Covid-19. Sadly, Ben passed away on June 20, 2020. 

This event is being sponsored in part, by a grant, from the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire and TBA's Benjamin Freedman Fund for Cultural Enrichment. Donations are welcomed. More details on this fund and donating can be found below. Thank you for considering!