If you are thinking about volunteering to host an oneg but you have no idea what to do, this article will convince you that hosting an oneg is a cake-walk, no pun intended. In its simplest term, an oneg is the refreshments we enjoy after a Shabbat service, either on Friday evening or Saturday morning.
Oneg Shabbat (Hebrew: “Joy of Sabbath”) is an informal gathering of Jews in a synagogue or private home to express outwardly the happiness inherent in the Sabbath holiday, all in keeping with the biblical injunction, “and call the Sabbath a delight” (Isaiah 58:13). Usually refreshments are provided to complement the congenial atmosphere and perpetuate in spirit the Talmud’s recommendation to eat three full meals that day.
At Congregation Sha’are Shalom we are “kosher style,” not “kosher,” so no pork, no shellfish or scaleless fish, and no meat and dairy together. None of the foods need to be kosher labeled. Challah loaves are supplied by the temple and may be found in the freezer closest to the kitchen outside door. Take one out of the package, wrap it in a paper towel and zap it for one minute in the microwave. Wine and grape juice for Kiddush are also supplied by the temple.
We usually have between 15 and 25 congregants at Friday evening services and 20 and 30 congregants at Shabbat morning services. Several of us will help you with the coffee, tea, and cleanup afterward. Different options for food include bagels with cheese spreads, salads of various types such as tuna, fruit, egg, or greens; desserts such as cookies, cake, or pastry. Obviously, you don’t need to bring everything listed, just a sampling. Store-bought (as opposed to home-baked) goodies are fine. If you’d like, you can be reimbursed by our Treasurer, Jackie Schoch, up to $25 for a Friday oneg and up to $35 for a Saturday oneg.
If you like, you can put your personal stamp on the oneg. Rabbi Skopitz, back in Rochester, always made a cholent we all loved. Madelene Weinberger makes a delicious quiche and Stuart Richman serves a wonderful peach cobbler. If you have a special dish that you would love to share, that would be great but not necessary. Sometimes just cookies and fruit hit the spot.
If you are interested in hosting an oneg, you can sign up on the sheet in the lobby or you can contact our Vice President, Nancy Gould, at [email protected]. It truly is a beautiful mitzvah to host an oneg for your congregation. At the Shabbat service, we are praying to God. At the oneg, we are talking to each other, building community.