Specialty Shabbatot Offerings

We also offer the following thematic programming on select Shabbatot throughout the year :

Human Rights Shabbat

In 1948, the United Nations declared December 10 as Human Rights Day to recognize and promote human rights around the world. On the Shabbat closest to this date, we celebrate the activists in our community and those working towards making the world a better place through their activism. In 5786, Human Rights Shabbat will be on December 6th,2025.

New Member Shabbat

Each year, Mishkan is blessed by a number of new families that join our sacred community. We honor these families in a service each December to celebrate the unique perspective that each contributes here. In 5786, New Member Shabbat will be on December 20th, 2025.

MLK Anti-Racism Shabbat

Martin Luther King Jr. harnessed his profound religious commitments and belief in the promise of American democracy to inspire millions. His opposition to racism, poverty, and war were deeply intertwined. Reckoning with racism’s legacy and charting a more equitable future, Mishkan uses the Shabbat closest to Martin Luther King Day to engage with and celebrate King’s life, thoughts, and actions. In 5786, MLK Anti-Racism weekend services will be held between Jan 17,2026. 

Reparations Shabbat

Following an initiative by Reconstructing Judaism to pass a Reparations Resolution in January 2023, the movement identifies one Shabbat each year as Reparations Shabbat. Mishkan Shalom uses this occasion to re-engage in the deep reckoning with racial harm and accountability. Reparations Shabbat weekend includes ongoing congregational study and action by identifying ways to join local reparations efforts. In 5786, Reparations Shabbat will be on February 7th,2026.

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month Shabbat

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and mental health conditions and those who love them. JDAIM is a call to action for all of us to act in accordance with our Jewish values, honoring the gifts and strengths that we each possess. In 5786, JDAIM Shabbat will be  on February 21,2026.

Reproductive Rights Shabbat

Reproductive Rights (Repro) Shabbat is an annual Shabbat celebration that honors the Jewish value of reproductive freedom. It takes place annually on Parshat Mishpatim, which contains the verses commonly referenced as the foundation of Judaism’s approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice. Repro Shabbat is a time for communities and individuals to connect, educate, and take action towards a more whole future for everyone. In 5786, Repro Shabbat will be March 1, 2026.

Trans Visibility Shabbat

Since 2009, March 31 has been named the International Transgender Day of Visibility. On the Shabbat closest to this date, we celebrate the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere by elevating voices and experiences from these communities. At a time when there is clearly so much work to be done to achieve trans justice, we remain committed to highlighting the trans and non-binary folks in our lives and around the world. In 5786, Trans Visibility Shabbat will be March 29, 2026.

Yad L’Yad

Each year, we honor three long-time members of the community with our Yad L’Yad (Hand to Hand) Award, given to recognize those whose contributions and service to Mishkan Shalom have helped to make our community a stronger, more vibrant, and better place. The Kabbalat Shabbat service and dinner is a great way to celebrate all gifts of significance given over the year to this sacred community. In 5786, Yad L’Yad will be May 29,2026.

Pride Shabbat

Mishkan Shalom celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community at our annual Pride-themed Kabbalat Shabbat service. The service features melodies, poems, and liturgies created by Jewish queer persons. In 5786, Pride Shabbat will be on  June 5,2026.

Shabbat Under the Stars

We offer three Shabbat Under the Stars Kabbalat Shabbat programs each year to pray together from dusk through sunset in our beautiful amphitheatre. These occur before summer officially begins in June, during our Summer Reunion weekend in July, and at the end of summer with our Welcome Back Weekend in September. In 5786, Shabbat Under the Stars will be June 26 and July 24,2026.

Shabbat in the Park

Our annual Shabbat in the Park program occurs over Summer Reunion weekend each July, when we gather at a local park for Shabbat morning services and fun family activities. We are able to be more in nature for services and enjoy a communal picnic lunch with games afterwards. In 5786, Shabbat in the Park will be on July 25,2026.