Shabbat Services

Beth Tikvah Congregation holds regular Shabbat Services every Friday night throughout the year.

Services begin at 8:00 p.m. except for some special services. Once a month (usually the 3rd Friday), a shorter service is held, beginning at 7:30 p.m.; this service is especially appropriate for families with young children and includes a special blessing for everyone celebrating a birthday that month.

Saturday morning services are typically held at 10:30 a.m. in conjunction with a B'Nai Mitzvah. Tot Shabbat services are periodically held for families with pre-school and younger children. Upcoming service dates are listed on the Congregational Calendar.

Shabbat Services Content

Most services are conducted from the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Mishkan T'Filah, using both the English and Hebrew texts. Special service booklets are used for Family Services and other special occasions. Throughout the year, original services may be led by our youth groups or affiliates such as Sisterhood, LAFF, Men’s Club or others. A portion of the Torah is read most Friday night services Parashah and portions of the Haftarah are read at B’nai Mitzvah services and holidays.

Attire

Service/Bima participants dress conservatively. Both men and women wear head coverings on the bima. As a member of the congregation, head coverings are optional.

Both Rabbi and Cantor wear Tallitot while conducting services. A Tallit is optional for those sitting on the bima or coming up to bless the Torah.