KABBALAT SHABBAT: How our prayer services go so long
This Shabbat, we will explore prayer and how it developed. One of the rules of liturgical change is that over time, services get longer. New traditions are tried out and they get added into the service, but older versions are rarely removed. A great example of this is the Friday night service. There are three versions of Kabbalat Shabbat, and we chant excerpts from all three. There are at least four versions of the Amidah, and they are all included in various services (the Amidah, Birkat Hamazon, The Sheva Berachot at a Wedding, and the Haftorah blessings).
As we think about the changes we made to our services during the COVID lockdown and what our services will look like in the future, what lessons can we learn?
Our Summer Friday night services are on ZOOM and begin at 6:00 p.m. Zoom Link Meeting Id: 978 470 037 Passcode: 183618
SHABBAT MORNING: Davening – the long and short of it
This week’s Torah portion, EKEV, begins with God’s promise of blessings in this world if the people follow the rules of Torah. This raises the question of blessing and the meaning of prayer. In introducing the Torah reading we will look at how people have read the promises of EKEV over the centuries. Are there any guarantees of blessing?
In our teaching, we will continue the discussion from Friday night about the length of prayer. What arguments have been made for shorter services? What are the benefits of lengthy davening? We will find interesting and unexpected answers. How has the experience of shortened ZOOM services changed your perspective (if at all)? I look forward to the beginning of a community conversation as we plan for the future.
Services this Shabbat morning will be on ZOOM and begin at 10:00 a.m. Sam Evans will lead the davening, Leo Evans will read the haftorah, and Linda Dietrich will read torah.
REMINDER: If you want to follow the service from home, please come to the office to borrow a prayer book and humash, purchase a set online, or dowload the siddur PDFs, availabe by clicking here. Zoom Link Meeting Id: 865 3190 1552 Passcode: 183618
SUMMER IN-PERSON SERVICES We are continuing to gradually re-open our building this summer for events, meetings, and services. During August, we are planning the following in-person/online services.
Shabbat Morning, Aug. 7 - 10:00 AM Shabbat Morning, Aug. 21 - 10:00 AM
We would like you to let us know if you are coming. Please click on the link below and fill out the form. https://forms.gle/eE4yKjQVUHTsPqt77
Reminders about joining us:
Vaccinations are required
If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
We will provide bottles of water, but no other refreshments at this time.
Be alert to people who prefer not to shake hands or sit close together.
Singing is encouraged! Come prepared to raise your voice.
Our incoming Hebrew College Rabbinic Intern, Lisa Feld, will be leading the davening for two more summer Friday Nights, August 13th and August 27th.
Adult Ed Course with Reb Nikki Thursday, May 8th 8:00p to 9:00p What are we talking about when we talk about "Israel"?
The name "Israel" in Jewish texts can have many meanings: the person, the nation, the land, and the modern state. In this six-session class, we will be examining different uses of the name "Israel" by looking at sources ranging from the Torah to modern thinkers. Together, we will gain deeper understanding into its meaning by looking at the connections between and teasing apart the differences among the range of meanings of the word, and be able to discern what we are talking about when we talk about Israel.
