AREA JEWISH GROUPS TO HOLD PUBLIC SABBATH EVENTS FRIDAY : THE JEWISH FAMILIES OF CAMARILLO POL LUCK SHABBAT.

Byline: Enrique Rivero Daily News Staff Writer

Shabbats are usually family affairs, a traditional Friday night dinner during which Jewish families welcome in the Sabbath.

On Friday, the tradition will move out of private homes and into public venues when two local organizations hold community Shabbat dinners at which everyone - including non-Jewish people - are welcome.

Shabbat is Hebrew for Sabbath.

``If anybody who isn't Jewish has an interest in learning about Shabbat, certainly they are welcome,'' said Sarene Wallace of Jewish Families of Camarillo, which will hold a community Shabbat potluck dinner.

``Certainly if somebody wanted to be exposed to the customs of Shabbat, they would be more than welcome,'' she said.

It is the first time that Jewish Families of Camarillo, a temple and community center, has organized a communitywide Shabbat dinner, she said.

``It's kind of an idea we're trying out,'' Wallace said. ``We thought it would be a good way of bringing people together and introducing people to the idea of doing a Shabbat.''

By sheer coincidence, the potluck will be held the same day as the Simi Valley Jewish Community Center's annual community Shabbat dinner. They have always been open to the public, said Susanna Perrin, publicity chairwoman for the center.

``It's an annual event for the families in the Jewish Community Center,'' Perrin said. ``It's open to the entire community but, of course, most of the tickets are bought up by the JCC members.''

During the Shabbat, special blessings are read over the Jewish bread and wine, Perrin said. The evening includes other prayers, with the meal typically being a chicken dinner, which is what will be served at the Simi Valley community event.

Perrin said this event is also open to people of other faiths, who she hopes will take up the offer to join in. ``It's good to foster good relations between all people,'' she said.

Wallace said the Shabbat potluck would be a ``good introduction'' for non-Jewish people interested in Jewish customs. Just as important, however, is the social function that the potluck will serve.

``It's a sense of community, which is something that the JFC is trying to promote, since we are the only Jewish community in Camarillo,'' Wallace said.

Also, the community potluck might encourage Jewish families that don't practice the tradition to make the Shabbat dinner a regular part of their lives. ``My guess is that it's probably not a weekly ritual for many.''

The Jewish Families of Camarillo Pot Luck Shabbat will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at 4090 Calle Tesoro, Suite D. Donation is $5 per family. Bring either a salad or desert big enough to serve six. A special Shabbat program will follow the potluck. Reservations are required, call [phone].

The Simi Valley Jewish Community Center-sponsored Shabbat dinner will be held Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Santa Susana Community Center, 505 C Los Angeles Ave. Charge is $10 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 2 to 12. For reservations, call the Jewish Community Center at [phone].

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Box: (Ran in Simi edition only) The Jewish Families of Camarillo Pot Luck Shabbat (See text)