In Jewish culture, the ritual of Shabbat is one of the most sacred and highly observed times of the week. On Friday, spiritual teacher and writer Om Eindor Berov wants to share that celebration. Berov is hosting a community Shabbat
In Jewish culture, the ritual of Shabbat is one of the most sacred and highly observed times of the week.
On Friday, spiritual teacher and writer Om Eindor Berov wants to share that celebration. Berov is hosting a community Shabbat potluck dinner at her home in the Wailua Homesteads.
“It’s a wonderfully spiritual and culinary evening,” Berov said.
The Shabbat is a feast placed on the seventh day of the week in Jewish tradition — the day the Bible says God rested after creating the world in six days. It’s a daylong celebration that begins on Friday at sunset that allows people to forget about their concerns, enjoy themselves and pursue spiritual peace.
Since she moved to Kauai six months ago, Berov and the organization Omline Ashram — a group dedicated to helping people achieve healthier well-being in mind, soul and body — have hosted a Shabbat dinner the first Friday of the month. She invites people of all ages and religious affiliations to join in.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from. It’s unity that brings people together around a table and uplifts them spiritually,” said Berov. “It’s all about unity in diversity.”
The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with lighting of candles. It will include Jewish folk dancing, storytelling, which will be meant to provide spiritual guidance for everyday life, and songs in Hebrew with English translations. It will also include many vegan dishes and guests are encouraged to bring a vegetable dish of their own, either raw or cooked. The festivities will take place at Berov’s house, 556 Kamalu Road in Kapaa.
“It’s important because there’s no other place on the island that does that regularly; that brings people together to celebrate spiritual events,” Berov said. “It’s my life mission to inspire people in every possible way I can.”
In addition to the Shabbat, Berov hosts another gathering called “Satsang,” which is a ritual meant to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit through meditation, chanting and study. Everyone is welcome to this event at Berov’s home at 4 p.m. the last Saturday of the month. The evening also ends with a vegan potluck.
Those who come to Friday’s feast will be uplifted and have a chance to meet people while developing friendships, Berov said. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about Hebrew, Israel and Judaism.
Up to 35 people have attended previous gatherings.
“Everybody loves it,” Berov said. “People have been very thankful for the event and they’re very inspired when they leave.”
