Shabbat under the stars

We had the honor of being among a small crowd of people for Congregation Beth Israel's first-ever "Shabbat under the stars." Rabbi Cahana led a short service on the lawn of the synagogue, complete with music (he plays guitar), a portable ark for the Torah, and prayer books. I hopped a bus from work (one reason I'm thinking seriously of becoming a member here, it is so convenient to work. Although, as Drew pointed out, if I REALLY wanted to show I'm a Portlander, I would BIKE to synagogue. I actually plan to do that when Rachel's a little older) and met Drew & Rachel, who beat me there. Drew spread out a picnic blanket, I brought food from Elephants Deli, and after the service we joined our friends Steve & Patt and their friend Staci for a lovely picnic dinner.

Drew and Rachel sat in front of an elderly man who couldn't take his eyes off our little girl! She absolutely charmed him. Turns out he has two kids, 29 and 27, and is longing for grandchildren. He had kids late, like we did, and I guessed his age at around 70 or so. We had a long conversation and toward the end of the night Rachel actually let him hold her! For about a second, anyway, before she wanted to be back in Drew's arms.

Drew was really worried that Rachel would get cranky or restless, but she was just fine -- other than wanting to close my prayerbook in the middle of the Kaddish! She loves turning pages and opening and closing books. We are hoping that leads to a love of reading.

It was a lovely way to wind down the week and we hope to attend the next Shabbat under the stars, scheduled for mid-August.