Shabbat is our traditional Sabbath celebration. It is a day apart from the rest of the week. It is a day for joy, thankfulness, study, and reflection on our people's and individual relationship to G-d.

Our Shabbat services are held in our sanctuary, and typically led by Cantor Charson with assistance from volunteers within our congregation. Cantor leads us through the prayer service, responsive readings, and songs.  He provides a reading and translation from the Torah. He shares his thought on topics of the day suggested by the weekly Torah reading or by current events.

Services are bilingual with responses in English and Hebrew, both spoken and sung. Our prayer books are available for all to follow and participate in the worship. We follow the practices of Reform Judaism with mixed seating and equal participation of men and women in the service. Members or invited guests may also bless the Shabbat lights, read prayers or lead the congregation as arranged. Special blessings are offered for those in grief, mourning, or in need of strength to deal with disappointment or disease.

It is our local custom for men to cover their heads when praying in the sanctuary. When approaching the Bimah (altar) to help in the blessing, preparation, or reading from the Torah scrolls, participants are asked to wear a tallit (prayer shawl) in addition. Both Kippot (yarmulkes) and tallit are available at the Sanctuary. Respectful dress is expected.

After the sanctuary service, an Oneg Shabbat is held down stairs in our temple social hall.  The Oneg is a light refreshment reception to greet the Shabbat and to provide opportunities to greet guests and friends. We also use the occasion to complete the welcoming of the Shabbat with blessings thanking G-d for joy (wine) and sustenance (bread). Everyone attend the upstairs sanctuary service is encourage to complete the Shabbat worship at the Oneg.

For groups interested in joining us during a worship service, please contact us ahead of time so we can plan on having the time to make you welcome.