Shabbat Services

Our Shabbat and Holiday Services are filled with holiness, spirit, warmth, and singing.

We are fully egalitarian - men and women, boys and girls share in the religious practices of our faith, including chanting Torah and Haftarah, leading prayers, and offering Divrei Torah.

We have Kabbalat Shabbat services every week, at 6:30pm on Friday. Approximately once a month, we have a special Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments, led by Cantor Helzner on guitar, accompanied by local instrumentalists, including our own Marsha Bronstein on piano. These events are often augmented by a appetizer or dessert reception before or after the service, or a congregational dinner (reservations in advance required). The mood is elevating and spirited, and have been very popular with members and guests.

Shabbat morning services start at 9:30am followed by a Kiddush in our Social Hall. We follow the triennial cycle of Torah readings, and our readers are lay members of the congregation. We encourage participation, and anyone who wants to learn to chant Torah (leyn) or lead part of the service is encouraged to contact the rabbi or the cantor to find a tutor or class.

The time for Mincha on shabbat varies based on the time of the year, but is announced at the end of the morning service, and can always be found on "This Week's Services" Page.

We use the Sim Shalom siddur, and follow the practices of Conservative Judaism. We encourage full participation, and we ask that our congregants and visitors show respect to our traditions:

• No photography on Shabbat
• No cell phone or pager use on Shabbat
• No smoking on Shabbat
• Men (both Jews and non-Jews) should wear head-coverings (kippot are available for anyone who needs one)
• Women may wear head-coverings, but are not obligated to
• Anyone on the bimah for an aliyah is encouraged to wear head-covering and a tallit (prayer shawl). Tallit are available for use in the lobby