Shabbat

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR OF B’NAI ISRAEL:
You may also look at the calendar for information about special Shabbat programming. On the home page, just roll your mouse over the date of your choosing. From the calendar page, click on the date for additional information.

Our Shabbat services are open to the entire community and all ages,
and we welcome visitors.  Our services are participatory and we
encourage you to join us in English, Hebrew and song.

We provide free child care during Friday night services for children
between the ages of 3 and 8.  No advance RSVP is necessary.

Erev Shabbat Services

From September to June, Erev Shabbat services are held every Friday night at 7:30pm. During the months of July and August, they are held at 6:30pm. Each Friday night service is followed by an Oneg Shabbat. Each service is filled with communal worship, time for reflection and plenty of music.

On the second Friday of each month at 7:30pm (except during July & August), we generally have our special 2nd Shabbes program featuring the music of our Chazzan and our song leaders, Julie Steinberg and Michael Hersher.  This evening also features a music-filled “Tot Shabbat” service from 6:00 pm to 6:30pm, led by Rabbi Alfi and Michael Hersher, for the youngest members of Congregation B’nai Israel and their families.  For 2nd Shabbes, we have a community Shabbat dinner at 6:30pm (please RSVP to the temple office no later than the Wednesday before the service. (NOTE: Be sure to double check the temple calendar for the 2nd Shabbes schedule.)

Shabbat Morning
Our Shabbat mornings are filled with plenty of interesting programs. 
Our Chazzan leads a lively Torah study in the library from 9am to 10:30am.  At 10:30am, there is a Shabbat service in either the Sanctuary or the Chapel.  On the first Saturday of each month (except during the summer months) we hold our “Ruach Ha’am” service (“Spirit of the People”).  This is a lay-led service filled with music, poetry and meditations that are incorporated into the traditional Torah service.  A dairy pot-luck luncheon always follows.  We encourage our congregants to become involved in all aspects of our Saturday morning services, including participating as Torah readers and sharing in other honors.

Wake Up and Taste the Torah
This is an interactive Shabbat morning experience for families with young children of all abilities.  This program features music, arts and crafts, and snacks.  It occurs on the 3rd  Saturday of each month, beginning at 10:30a.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room. Although this program is scheduled year-round, please contact the temple to confirm the summer schedule.

Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat is geared towards families with young children who wish to come and capture that special Shabbat Feeling!  Stories, dance and music are a part of the experience.  These events give your child or grandchild a sense of Shabbat in a joyous and fun-filled environment, and give you a chance to celebrate Shabbat with your child and other families.  Tot Shabbat begins at 6pm on the second Friday (2nd Shabbes) of each month, from September through June. (Please double check on the temple calendar.)

Music Makes Shabbat!
Our Shabbat is an experience you won't want to miss. We have a wonderful mix of traditional music with Chazzan Naluai and more modern music with our songleaders, Julie Steinberg & Michael Hersher.