Friday Evenings

KABBALAT SHABBAT SERVICES 6:15 PM

These are our regular Friday evening services and last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Singing and participation are encouraged in this warm, uplifting service, which generally meets in the small chapel. Torah is not read, and there is no formal sermon, though the rabbi often tells a short story. We use a prayerbook called Shirat Avraham (the Song of Abraham), a prayerbook written by our own Rabbi Mark Bloom. It features the full Conservative service, transliteration for every prayer, and a great deal of explanation and commentary. As with all services at Temple Beth Abraham, the service is egalitarian.

SHARE-A-SHABBAT SERVICES 6:15 PM

These services feature the students of a particular grade in our religious school and the day schools leading the service in an age-appropriate way. If it’s a pre-school class leading the service, the service runs like a Tot Shabbat and lasts 30 minutes or less, whereas a 5th grade class might lead the entire service. These services are sometimes held in the chapel and sometimes in the sanctuary, depending on class size. (A more adult-oriented service is sometimes held at the other location.) The Share-a-Shabbat services are usually followed by a potluck dinner for families whose children are of the same age as those in the class. Instead of a Friday night Share-a-Shabbat, the 6th grade students lead the congregation in the Torah and Musaf services during a regularly scheduled Shabbat morning service (“Vav Shabbat”).

ROCK AND ROLL SHABBAT SERVICES 6:15 PM

These services, accompanied by Beth Abraham’s all member Rock and Roll Band, are spirited, vibrant and loud. The regular evening prayers are sung, but they are done so accompanied by music adapted from various Jewish artists from around the world. All ages are welcome, and people are encouraged to participate by singing aloud, clapping and even dancing. These services are often followed by a Shabbat dinner and, occasionally, Israeli dancing, and are held in the main sanctuary.

SHABBAT UNPLUGGED 6:15 PM

These services will be accompanied by Rabbi Bloom’s guitar, a number of the singers, and, occasionally, just a few other instruments as well. Come prepared to sing and participate in a meaningful way. This service will last approximately one hour.

Saturday Mornings

SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES 9:30 AM

All Shabbat morning services begin at 9:30 AM, and they are Conservative and Egalitarian. The service is generally held in the sanctuary and usually ends around 12 Noon. We use a prayerbook called Shirat Avraham (the Song of Abraham), a prayerbook written by our own Rabbi Mark Bloom. It features the full Conservative service, transliteration for every prayer, and a great deal of explanation and commentary. The service consists of four basic parts: Pesukei d’Zimrah (a “warmup” of various praises), Shacharit (the main part of the morning service), the Torah service (where the scroll of Torah is read) and the Musaf service (additional service for Shabbat and Festivals). Our custom here is to read from what is called the Triennial Cycle, which means we read one third of each section of the Torah each Shabbat, and it is read by trained congregants. Though the Cantor or an educated layperson leads the service, everyone is encouraged to participate in song and prayer.

The Rabbi often gives a formal sermon, though there are sometimes discussions, guest speakers and other special events. When a student becomes Bar and Bat Mitzvah he or she usually gives the D’var Torah (explanation of the Torah portion) and leads certain prayers. However, the Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a part of our regular Shabbat morning service rather than the other way around, and the entire congregation is always invited to the service and lunch that follows in the social hall.

Childcare is provided for 2-10 year olds in the classroom opposite the chapel, where the children play under the supervision of childcare workers until the children come back up to the sanctuary for Ein K’Eloheinu and the end of the service. A small snack is served.

SHABBAT MISHPACHA 10:15 AM

Held once a month in the Chapel, this service is designed for our youngest children with their parents. Led by volunteers, this is a wonderful Shabbat experience for young families with children from preschool to incoming 2nd grade. This service is usually held the first Shabbat of the month, but watch the TBA calendar for the specific date.

T’FILAT Y’LADIM (KEHILA K’TANA) 10:15 AM

Held once a month in the Baum Youth Center, this service is led by our Education Director for 1st and 2nd graders emphasizing songs, simple prayers and a Torah study. This service serves as a good transition to Junior Congregation. Third Saturday of each month.

JUNIOR CONGREGATION 10:15 AM

Held once a month in the chapel, this is a service for 3rd to 6th graders run by our Educator Director, Susan Simon. The students lead the prayers themselves, and there is an activity based on the weekly Torah portion. The service concludes with a Kiddush/snack just for the children. Parents are welcome and may find it an interesting way to learn along with their children. This service is usually held the first Shabbat of the month, but watch the TBA calendar for exact dates.

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION, A LEARNER’S SERVICE 9:30 AM

During this service we interrupt often to explain the how, what, when and why of the various prayer. Meaning, motions and intention are all explored in this unique service for learners of all levels.

Monday and Thursday Mornings

 MORNING MINYAN 8:00 AM

Our morning minyan meets every Monday and Thursday in the chapel and lasts approximately one hour. We use the older Conservative Siddur (prayerbook) for daily prayer compiled by Rabbi Morris Silverman. This service is always followed by a light breakfast in the social hall lovingly prepared by minyan regulars.

WHAT ABOUT FAMILY SERVICES?

At Beth Abraham, families are encouraged to attend all our services, though Share-a-Shabbat, Tot Shabbat, and Shabbat Mishpacha are especially geared toward children. Some services are followed by Shabbat dinner, and families are especially encouraged to attend these. Regarding the service itself, we know that many children can not sit comfortably through a 45-minute service. If you feel your child is making too much noise, feel free to take them out of the service for a few moments and then return when they are ready.