The Erev Shabbat (Friday evening) service in Judaism ushers in the Sabbath with a blend of traditional liturgy, modern interpretation, and inclusive community spirit. Reuben will lead part of this service and all are welcome to attend.
1. Welcoming the Sabbath – Kabbalat Shabbat
The service begins with Kabbalat Shabbat, a series of psalms and songs that joyfully welcome Shabbat. Common elements include:
Lechah Dodi – A mystical poem from the 16th century welcoming the “Sabbath bride.”
Psalms 95–99 – Often sung or chanted, expressing awe and celebration.
2. Candle Lighting
Although traditionally done at home, we will kindle the Shabbat lights during the service. This act symbolizes the transition from the secular week to the sacred time of Shabbat.
3. Core Prayers and Liturgy
The heart of the service includes several key prayers:
Shema and V’ahavta – Affirming the oneness of God and the commandment to love God.
Amidah (Tefilat HaShabbat) – A communal standing prayer, modified for Shabbat to focus on peace and sanctity.
Mi Shebeirach – A prayer for healing, often accompanied by music and the opportunity to name loved ones in need of healing.
Hashkiveinu and Shalom Rav – Prayers for peace and protection through the night.
A brief D’var Torah – A sermon or teaching that connects the weekly portion to contemporary issues or personal reflection.
Inclusive language and interpretation – Emphasizing ethical values, social justice, and spiritual relevance.
5. Concluding Rituals
The service will conclude with:
Aleinu – A prayer expressing hope for a world of justice and peace.
Mourner’s Kaddish – Recited in memory of those who have passed, with names read aloud.
Kiddush and Motzi – Blessings over wine and challah, before partaking in the oneg Shabbat (a social gathering with refreshments).
6. Prayer Book and Accessibility
We will use the Reform movement's prayer book, "Mishkan T’filah" (the Dwelling Place for Prayer), a prayer book that includes:
Hebrew text with transliteration
English translations
Meditative readings and poetry This format supports accessibility for diverse participants, including non-Jews, interfaith families and those new to Jewish practice.
The entire service will also be projected onto two screens without the need for a physical book.
A Shabbat morning service in Jewish tradition is a joyful and spiritually-rich gathering that celebrates the Shabbat and, on special occasions, honors significant lifecycle events—such as a Reuben's Bar Mitzvah.
1. Welcoming the Congregation
The service begins at 10:30 AM with the clergy, cantorial soloist and Reuben leading the community in prayers and songs of welcome and praise. The atmosphere will be inclusive and uplifting, with melodies and readings that invite everyone to participate, regardless of background or familiarity with Hebrew.
2. Morning Prayers and Reflections
The service includes key elements of the Shacharit (morning) liturgy, including:
Birchot HaShachar – Blessings of gratitude for the new day.
Shema and V’ahavta – Affirming the oneness of God and the commandment to love.
Amidah – A central prayer recited silently or aloud, focusing on peace, holiness, and community.
3. Torah Service
The Torah service is the heart of the morning, and where Reuben will be called to chant from the Torah as a Jewish Adult:
Torah Procession (Hakafah) – The Torah scroll is carried through the congregation with singing and celebration.
Torah Reading – Reuben will chant from the weekly Torah portion. This marks his first public act of Jewish leadership.
D’var Torah – Reuben will deliver a personal reflection and teaching on the Torah portion, connecting the ancient wisdom to modern life.
4. Prayers for Healing and Peace
The service includes:
Mi Shebeirach – A prayer for healing, often sung with opportunities to name loved ones.
Prayers for the Country and Israel – Reflecting values of justice, peace, and global Jewish solidarity.
Oseh Shalom – A musical prayer for peace.
5. Mourner’s Kaddish
The Mourner’s Kaddish is recited to honor those who have passed away. Names of loved ones are read aloud, and the community stands in solidarity with those in mourning.
6. Concluding Rituals and Celebration
The service concludes with:
Aleinu – A prayer expressing hope for a better world.
A Joyful closing hymn.
Kiddush and Motzi – Blessings over wine and challah, often followed by a festive oneg (reception) with food and fellowship.