"To pray is to take notice of the wonder, to regain a sense of the mystery that animates all beings..." Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Sunday Morning Minyan

This traditional shaharit (morning) service begins at 9AM and generally concludes at approximately 9:40AM.  The service is conducted almost exclusively in Hebrew; however, there are transliterated siddurim (prayerbooks) available. Lay leaders usually lead the minyan except when there is a special occasion such as Rosh Hodesh (new Hebrew month) or a holiday. It is customary for both men and women to wear a tallit (prayer shawl) for this service. Many people also wear tefillin (leather boxes containing holy scripture). There are additional sets of “loaner” tefillin available upon request.

Wednesday Evening Minyan

This traditional evening service takes place at 7PM and concludes at approximately 7:20PM.  The prayer service is conducted almost exclusively in Hebrew; however, there are transliterated siddurim (prayerbooks) available. Lay leaders usually lead the service except when there is a special occasion such as a festival. When there is a shiva minyan (mourner’s service) taking place at a congregant’s home, this minyan is “moved” to the home of the mourner and does not take place in the synagogue.

 

Friday Evening Family Service (Shabbat Mishpahah)

This fun, family-focused Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming the Sabbath) service takes place on the first Friday night of every month from September through June.  The service begins at 6:30PM and concludes at approximately 7:05PM and is almost exclusively led by Rabbi Solomon.  It is followed by a festive Oneg Shabbat (dessert).  It is geared toward young children (ages 0-7), however, the entire community is invited to attend and participate. Often, congregants play musical instruments to accompany the prayers.  The service includes the recitation of the Mourner’s Kaddish (prayer in honor of the deceased).

Friday Evening Neshamah (Soul)  Minyan

This spiritual, participatory Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming the Sabbath) service takes place on every Friday night of the month EXCEPT the first Friday night of the month. The service begins at 6:30PM and concludes at approximately 7:15PM. While the majority of the service is offered in Hebrew, there are a few English readings and transliterated siddurim (prayerbooks) are readily available. This service is always led by Rabbi Eric Solomon, and on many shabbatot Rabbi Jenny Solomon serves as a “co-leader.”  Beth Meyer’s new musician, Alex Gorodezky, accompanies the prayers with his guitar. The service is followed by a festive Oneg Shabbat (dessert). On some (and increasingly more) occasions, immediately following the service, there are Shabbat dinners open to the community. While the service is geared toward adults, people of all ages are invited to attend, including families with children.

Late Friday Evening Kabbalat Shabbat Service

This traditional Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming the Sabbath) service takes place every Friday night at 8PM and concludes at approximately 8:45PM.  The service is conducted almost exclusively in Hebrew; however, there are transliterated siddurim (prayerbooks) available.  It is lay-led by very capable and talented congregants. The service is followed by a festive Oneg Shabbat (dessert).

 

Saturday Morning Shabbat Service 

This participatory service takes place in the main sanctuary, lasts from approximately 9:30-11:45AM, and is regularly led by Rabbi Eric Solomon. Approximately once a month, Rabbi Jenny Solomon “co-leads” this service.  The most creative part of the prayer service takes place during shaharit from approximately 9:30-10:15AM when Rabbi Solomon leads the congregation in meditative Hebrew chanting and meditation. The second part of the service, the Torah service, takes place from approximately 10:15-11:30AM and includes the Torah reading, the Haftarah (prophetic reading), and an active discussion of the weekly Torah portion. The final section (Musaf), lasting from approximately 11:30-11:45AM, includes an opportunity for children to ascend the bimah (front) and lead a portion of the service.  The service concludes with the Mourner’s Kaddish and a closing song. After the service, the entire congregation is invited into the social hall for a Kiddush luncheon.