Reform congregations set community ShabbatMembers of Reform congregations from across the state will get together next Friday, Oct. 30, for a first-ever Arizona Reform Community Shabbat.Rabbi William Berk, spiritual leader at Temple Chai in Phoenix, which is hosting the service, said the idea came from Rabbi Janet Marder, regional director of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations' Pacific Southwest Council. The Pacific Southwest region includes Southern California and Arizona. "This came about because it had worked in Los Angeles, and Rabbi Janet Marder asked if we were interested in doing it here," said Berk. He said he expects 400-500 people to attend from across the state, although when planning began, organizers expected only members of Valley congregations. "We had no idea people would come from Flagstaff, from Prescott, from Tucson ... but they're coming," Berk said. The goals for the Reform Community Shabbat include encouraging cooperation and unity among the congregations, and educating participants about different styles of music and approaches to worship services within the Reform movement, Berk said. Marder will deliver the sermon at the service, which will begin at 8:30 p.m. at Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road. 
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