A Place of Presence: A 14Y Selah and Shames JCC Shabbat Dinner

About A Place of Presence: A 14Y Selah and Shames JCC Shabbat Dinner

Presented by 14Y Selah in partnership with Shames JCC and UJA-Federation of New York

In Parashat Terumah, the Israelites are called to build something sacred together, a home for the Divine in their midst.

“V’asu li mikdash v’shachanti b’tocham.”
“Let them make Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)
The Torah doesn’t say God will dwell in it but among them. Holiness isn’t limited to walls or rituals; it arises through relationship in the way we show up, offer ourselves, and hold space for one another.

Each person brought their own terumah: gold, fabric, wood, or song and together the Israelites built a sanctuary of care and intention. At 14Y Selah, this is the heart of recovery and community: each of us brings an offering of self — honesty, kindness, and presence — to build a Mishkan not of beams and curtains, but of connection and compassion.

This Shabbat, we gather to build that space anew with food, song, and open hearts. The evening will begin with a grounding and connection practice using recovery language and mindfulness to help us arrive fully, followed by song, Kiddush, Motzi, and a shared kosher meal.

Join us as we welcome Shabbat and remember: when we bring our whole selves, we create a sanctuary big enough for the Divine to dwell among us.