Services at Temple Beth-El

Temple Beth-El is a Conservative/Masorti congregation, so our liturgy is pretty traditional, and almost the entire service is conducted in Hebrew. We also make every effort to make services lively, accessible, fun, and community-driven! We love inviting people to be part of our services, and we especially love having kids in shul. Come check us out!

BOOKS:
The siddur (see-DOOR), or prayer-book, is used throughout the service. We use the Siddur Lev Shalem.
The chumash (khoo-MAHSH) is the text of the Torah. We use it during the Torah service. We use the Etz Hayim Chumash.

The prayer leader and/or the rabbi will occasionally announce page numbers throughout the service.

RITUAL GARB:
Kippah (kee-PAH, plural = kippot): Yarmulkes, skullcaps. Available on the shelf in the back of the sanctuary.
Tallit (tah-LEET, plural = tallitot): Fringed prayer shawl. Available on the rack in the back corner of the sanctuary. Worn during the day, but not at night.

• It is customary for Jews of any gender to cover their heads in synagogue with a kippah, scarf, a more ‘fancy’ hat, fascinator, etc. We also recognize that different people may have particular feelings around ritual garb, especially as gender is concerned. While it is customary to cover one’s head, it is not strictly necessary. Feel free to reach out to the rabbi with any questions or concerns.

• Non-Jewish guests who wish to cover their heads are invited to do so, but not obligated.

PHONES (and other electronics):
Shabbat is a time of respite and reprieve from the work week. Many refrain from the use of most electronics. To help us create an environment of rest and Shabbat observance, please do not bring phones, cameras, or recording devices to Temple Beth-El on Shabbat or holidays. If you must have your phone, please be sure to silence it and do not use it in public spaces.

CHILDREN (of all ages!):
Children are invited and encouraged to be both seen and heard in synagogue services. We love having kids in shul! We have a youth library in the back of the sanctuary with books, games, toys, and mats for kids to hang out in during services if they don't want to be in the sanctuary the whole time.

HEBREW:
Almost the entire service is conducted in Hebrew. Pages numbers, instructions, and the sermon are given in English. We encourage you to let the sounds of the lashon kodesh (the holy of language) wash over you. Also, our siddur (prayerbook) and chumash (bible) have accurate and accessible translations of all liturgy.

STRUCTURE OF SERVICES:

Friday Night (or Holiday Eve):
- Kabbalat Shabbat: Psalms and hymns for welcoming in Shabbat. All Jewish holidays begin in the evening. Many are sung aloud in their entirety, others are read individually.
- Vort / D’var Torah: A brief sermon (about 5 minutes) by the rabbi or member of the congregation.
- Ma’ariv (Evening Service): This service includes the Shema and Amidah prayers.

Shabbat Morning (or Holiday Morning):
- P’sukei d’Zimra: Introductory Psalms (many of which are sung aloud!)
- Shacharit (Morning Service): This service includes the central prayers of the Shema and the Amidah. Some parts are recited aloud as a community and others quietly as individuals. Sometimes we will recite the entire prayer quietly as individuals before repeating the entire prayer aloud as a community. Just listen to the prayer leader for cues.

Torah Service:
- The Torah service begins with the opening of the ark and parading the Torah scroll around the sanctuary. Then the reading begins (from the Etz Hayim Chumash). The reading of the Torah portion is broken into seven sections, each of which is framed by someone coming up and reciting blessings. After the Torah is read, it is lifted and displayed to the congregation before being dressed again.
- During the Torah reading, a prayer for healing of the sick is recited. A congregational list of those we are praying for is read, and then anyone has the opportunity to insert names (in any language) for those they are praying for.
- After the Torah reading, a haftarah (secondary reading from the books of the Prophets) is chanted.
- A D’var Torah (sermon, literally “word of Torah”) is delivered by the rabbi or a community member on the themes of the day’s Torah reading.
The Torah service concludes with a prayer for the community, a prayer for humanity and the earth, and parading the Torah scroll around the sanctuary again, before it is placed back in the ark accompanied by song.

Musaf (Additional service):
- This service includes the central Amidah prayer, which has some parts recited aloud as a community and others quietly as individuals. Sometimes we will recite the entire prayer quietly as individuals before repeating the entire prayer aloud as a community. Just listen to the prayer leader for cues.
- A few concluding prayers and announcements, then we all go downstairs for lunch!