A little while ago Sarah Washburn sent me a link to her YouTube page where she has uploaded a number of videos of dance and music from the recent SC national Shabbat.  Here are a couple with a link following for more on her page.  Also, see below for a special open letter from Tom Washburn!

More videos and letter follow…

More videos at Sarah Washburn’s channel…

An Open Letter to the Brethren in the South Carolina area.

Shalom from the Washburn Family!  We wanted to let you know how thankful we all are for the warm and gracious way that we were received by all the brethren at the National Shabbat Gathering, March 19, 2016.  We have traveled far and wide … from Texas to Wisconsin to the New England area … Canada, England, Israel and Jordan … and I don’t know that we have ever had so many people make us feel welcome … to feel at home.  It seemed very obvious, very quickly, that this group of people is more interested in gathering His people … as opposed to scattering His people.

As I mentioned from the microphone, we did not come to perform for you … we came to join with you in praising the Mighty One of Israel … and “WOOOOHHH”, as Tommy Wilson would say … you guys sure did join in.  We were wiped out physically, even before we got to the Community Center in Blackville.  We had no energy to speak of, and yet through you … through your prayers and encouragement and participation … the Father did a mighty work.  We were truly blessed.

The Sabbath before we came to SC, we were in Georgia for another National Shabbat Gathering.  There was a brother who had been at your first meeting in SC, and he gave me some warnings.  He said that we better come prepared to play because “Those people love to dance … and then they love to dance some more … and when they are done, they want to dance some more!”  He wasn’t exaggerating!!!

I believe the Father is pleased with what you all are doing.  I can only see Him looking down with pleasure at your sacrifice of praise.  Whether it be in song … with the shofar … clapping your hands … in the dance … I guess I could copy and paste the Scripture, but I think you know what I am saying.  He is pleased with you declaring His word together in congregational reading.  Not a siddur, with some prayers that man has made up … not that those are necessarily wrong.  But how much better … how much more powerful … when we declare His clear word, with a loud voice?!?!?!  It was a highlight of our time with you.

For a boy who grew up in Charlotte, NC … and has spent a good amount of time in your state … I can’t remember having a better time.  The whole family looks forward to coming back soon.  Thank you for your hospitality … thank you for your generous gifts … thank you for your service to the Body of Messiah.  Shalom to your hearts and homes, Tom, Annie, Hannah, Tommy, Ruth, Sarah, Abigail, Samuel and Lydia