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Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) is a 24-hour period of rest, reflection, renewal, and reconnection to God that begins on Friday evening at sundown. We have services most Friday evenings, and some Saturday mornings, usually in conjunction with B’nei Mitzvah.

The Jewish Sabbath, which begins on Friday evenings, is the high point of our week and what we, as a community, look most forward to. Each week we gather together to usher in this holy day of rest and spirituality as we celebrate Shabbat with songs and prayers on Friday evenings. On special occasions, we further enhance the joy of Shabbat by sharing together a Shabbat dinner on Friday evenings.

On Saturday mornings, we sanctify the Jewish Sabbath through Torah study at 9:00 am, and when there is a B'Mitzvah there is a Shabbat morning Service at 10:30 am. We hope you join us soon for an upcoming Shabbat Celebration in person, or via live stream!

Shabbat Shalom! (Sabbath of Peace to you!) We hope to see you soon at an upcoming Shabbat Service.
Learn more about the Jewish Sabbath

Review our Worship Upcoming Events, and our Calendar.

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First-time Shabbat Visitors

Welcome! We are so delighted that you are planning to visit Beth Tikvah Congregation! Below you will find additional information about what to expect at a typical Shabbat Service. We hope that the experience is comfortable for you. We invite you to contact us in advance of the service, and we will be happy to connect you with a member who will help acclimate you to our service and congregation. Please contact Rabbi Taron Tachman ahead of time, or upon entering the congregation, and please let the usher know that you are new to Beth Tikvah Congregation. Following your visit if you would like to attend other programs, tour the building, or meet with our rabbi, please let us know by contacting Lucy Howell our Office Administrator.

Attire
There is no formal dress requirement at any of our Shabbat Services. While most service participants tend to dress conservatively (ie, business casual), we would much rather that you are here worshipping with us in jeans, than home alone. The one exception to this rule, is that we ask those who will be invited up to the bimah (the sanctuary platform) for a special honor, to dress more formally, and to wear a head covering of their choice.

Children
Children of all ages are welcome, and are a happy addition to all of our services. In the event that you are unable to stay throughout the service because children’s bedtimes are quickly approaching, we understand if you must depart before the service concludes, and we are thrilled that you were able to join us for part of the service.

Length of services
Our worship services vary in length—ranging from about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of service. Family Services are about 45 minutes; our Kabbalat Shabbat Services on the fifth Friday of the month are about an hour; our usual Shabbat Services tend to be up to an hour and 15 minutes long; Saturday morning B’nei Mitzvah Services are usually run about one-and-a-half hours long.

Shabbat Service Content
Most services are conducted from the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Mishkan T'Filah, using both the English and Hebrew texts. A portion of the Torah is read most Friday night services, and a portion of the Haftarah is read at B’nei Mitzvah services and holidays. Special service booklets, including screen presentations, are used for Family Services and other special occasions. Throughout the year, creative services may be led by our youth groups or affiliates such as Sisterhood, Adult Education, Kol Tikvah Choir, or others.

What To Do Upon Arriving
Unless there is a huge event planned, there should be ample parking space available on the day of your visit. Please enter at the front of the building. You will be greeted and welcomed by one of our ushers if you are coming just before a worship service. Please introduce yourself to our usher and they would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, the greeter can connect you with another member of the congregation who would be happy to show you around and introduce you to others, if you would like. The greeter will give to you a booklet with information about the worship service and upcoming events at Beth Tikvah Congregation. In addition, you will be directed to our sanctuary shelves of prayer books where you can choose one with Hebrew transliteration or one without the English approximation of the Hebrew words. Tallit (prayer shawls) and Kippot/Yarmulkes (skull caps) are available for all genders, but are not required to be worn (unless you are serving on the bimah). You may sit anywhere in the sanctuary along with the congregation, however, participants are encouraged to sit closer to the front.

Participation

Our worship experiences are meant to be participatory for all, whether or not you are Jewish. While there are a few segments of the service led exclusively by the service leader, there are many opportunities to recite prayers in English and Hebrew, readings with the congregation and - of course - to sing along with the melodies. As mentioned, all of the Hebrew songs and prayers are transliterated (notated in English syllables) and we encourage you to join along as you are comfortable. Your participation will help elevate the entire prayer experience for all, we are sure!
Following services, please follow the crowds to the back end of the building, where there will be desserts and refreshments - a reception called an Oneg, meaning “enjoyment.”

For participation opportunities, click here

Glossary of Shabbat-related Terms

Not sure what a particular word you heard someone say at service means? No worries! Here is a short list of Shabbat-related terms.

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784