An Inclusive Cultural Shabbes at the Peretz Centre
Sholem Aleykhem! Zayt bagrist, tayere fraynt. Welcome, dear friends.
Once a month on Friday night -- Fraytik tsu Nakht (FTN) -- Peretz members and friends gather for a cultural shabbes (sabbath/shabbat) and poltuck dinner.
FTN is open to all -- people of diverse cultures, beliefs, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities are welcome to our intercultural, intergenerational, secular events.
FTN is a community-run, family-friendly event. Children of all ages are welcome to participate and/or play in our comfortable space throughout the evening. Activities for children are often organized by the Peretz Kinder/Yugnt Committee.
Pictured: Gyda Chud lights candles with a young Peretznik at the Zumershule FTN (August 8, 2025).
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Secular Jewish Culture
On the eve of the traditional Jewish Shabbes, we express our gratitude for the wonders of the world: for our parents and grandparents, and for our children and the generations to come. Let us remember we are all children of the universe and need rest in order to grow. We rejoice in the heritage which gives us Shabbes, a day of rest.
Rooted in Secular Jewish Humanist values that emphasize human endeavour rather than supernatural intervention, our shabbes (shabbat/sabbath) celebration carries forward Jewish and Yiddish traditions of connection, gratitude, peace, and the human power to make a better and more beautiful world for all.
We start with songs and readings in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew from our community's Fraytik tsu Nakht booklet before sharing a meal together.
A Community Potluck Dinner
As the strands of the challah intertwine, so do our lives connect with one another. May the sharing of the challah strengthen our bonds with our community and with all humanity. May there come a day when no human being suffers the pangs of hunger, or the desolation of loneliness and homelessness.
FTN is a community-run potluck dinner, with the option to bring a dish or contribute $18 per person to cover food costs (children 13 and under are free). Challah, refreshments, and a portion of main dishes and desserts are prepared by Peretz volunteers to ensure there is enough food for everyone.
What to bring: Our table is usually a mix of all sorts of dishes, with people bringing mains, sides, and desserts! Share details in the registration form to help our volunteer organizers plan ahead, and make sure you bring a portion large enough for 6-8 people.
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Pictured: Peretz potluck table, ca. 1990.
Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions: Please include allergies and dietary restrictions in your registration form, and we'll collectively do our best to make sure everyone can join our table. There are usually plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes!
After-Dinner Learning at Fraytik tsu Nakht
Every FTN includes a form of after-dinner learning, bringing members of the community and the public to present engaging guests speakers, film screenings, live performances, and more to deepen our understanding and connection to all living things. See topics from previous FTNs below!
Volunteer at Fraytik tsu Nakht!
Vi sheyn iz di arbet fun unzere hent. How beautiful is the work of our hands. Vi sheyn iz di khavershaft tsvishn ale menshn. How glorious is fellowship among all people.
Many hands make light work! Sign up to help out in the ways that you can, directly in the registration form:
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Set up (setting tables, bringing out food and dishes, putting up signs, etc.)
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Welcome people at the door (registration table)
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Organize kids activities (games, art tables, etc.)
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Clean up (clearing tables, bringing dishes to kitchen, putting away tables and chairs, etc.)
If you'd like to join the organizing committee or lend a hand to grocery shopping, cooking, or coordinating our after-dinner learning, contact Peretz staff at info@peretz-centre.org.
Pictured: The Baba Osipov Kitchen team makes latkes for a Khanike FTN (December 12, 2025)
