Services & Prayers
Friday Night or Saturday Services
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Friday Night
Friday nights (Kabbalat Shabbat) are an intimate gathering. We share our joys over wine and dessert, and we remember our beloved family members who are no longer with us during their yahrzeits. We have Carlebach melodies that accompany the liturgy, spiritually uplifting services and musical services in the summer months. We meet at 6 pm all year long.
Family Services
Once a month our rabbi and cantor run a Friday night family service for all ages, held a bit earlier at 5:30 pm to accommodate earlier bedtime schedules. We have had drum circles, have “traveled” to Israel, and have joyfully welcomed Shabbat with song, dance, and challah.
Shabbat (Saturday) Morning
Our service is highly participatory, with those in attendance invited to play whatever role feels comfortable, from opening the ark or reciting a poem in English to reading Torah or having an aliyah. You will most likely be invited to the bimah for an honor when you come, but are always welcome to decline if you do not feel comfortable.
We share the prayer space with everyone in attendance, and all are welcome.
There is a “pray ground” corner in our sanctuary where children are free to play during services.
Our rabbi does not sermonize, but rather leads us in Torah discussions where our congregants are encouraged to engage, comment, and share. About once a month, our rabbi and hazzan lead a learner’s minyan and study session.
Our Tot Shabbat and Hebrew school children join us on the bimah at the end of services for a spirited conclusion.
After Services
After services, we have a sumptuous kiddush luncheon where we relish the opportunity to schmooze and connect socially with one another. Often, congregants sponsoring the kiddush will treat the community to delicious delicacies which give the luncheon an extra special touch. Other times, we might celebrate birthdays at kiddush, replete with cake and ice cream.
It has been rumored that ours is the best kiddush in Rockland, but naturally, we don’t partake in such whisper campaigns (#BestKiddushInRockland).
