All worship services can be streamed on YouTube.
FRIDAY NIGHT KABBALAT SHABBAT SERVICES * 6:15 PM
These are our regular Friday evening services which last approximately 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 shares a story about history or Jewish life. We use a prayerbook called Shirat Avraham (Song of Abraham), which was 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.
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 noon. We use Shirat Avraham.
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). We follow the Conservative movement’s practice of reading Torah in a Triennial Cycle, which means we read one third of each section of weekly Torah portion each Shabbat, and it is read by trained congregants. While the rabbi, cantorial soloist or an educated lay person 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.
Every Shabbat morning service is followed by a kiddush lunch in the social hall and the entire community and guests are welcome to join.
Childcare is provided for 2-10 year olds in the classroom opposite the chapel. The children play under the supervision of childcare workers and are fed a small snack until they come to the sanctuary for Ein K’Eloheinu and the end of the service.
SHABBAT MISHPACHA * 10:00 AM * MONTHLY
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 kindergarten This service is usually held the first Shabbat of the month, but watch the TBA calendar for the specific date.
T’FILAT Y’LADIM * 10:00 AM * MONTHLY
Held once a month in the chapel, this service is led by our education director for kindergarteners, 1st and 2nd graders and their parents. It emphasizes songs, simple prayers and Torah study. The highlight of each service is that children learn a new Hebrew letter and get to find it in a real Torah. The service serves as a good transition to Junior Congregation.
JUNIOR CONGREGATION 10:00 AM* MONTHLY
Held once a month in the chapel, this is a service for 3rd to 6th graders and is run by our Education Director. 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.
MORNING MINYAN EVERY * 8:00 AM * MONDAY AND THURSDAY
Our morning minyan meets every Monday and Thursday in the chapel and lasts approximately one hour. We use the Weekday Prayer Book siddur edited by Rabbi Morris Silverman. This service is always followed by a light breakfast in the social hall, lovingly prepared by minyan regulars.