Friday Services at Community Synagogue

First Friday, 6:30 pm: Shabbat Neshamah – Sabbath of the Soul. Start each month with a shorter (approximately 45 minutes), more meditative service. Shabbat Neshamah focuses on periods of silence for meditation, readings for contemplation and a short piece of spiritual teaching. While adult in focus, it is our hope that people of all ages will welcome Shabbat together, gathering for a “pre-neg” of cheese and crackers before services so that everyone can enjoy a leisurely Shabbat dinner afterwards.

Second Friday, 7:45 pm: Shabbat Mishpacha – Family Worship Service. This worship experience will include the voices of our Junior Choir, participation by students at various grade levels and our popular T’fillahband. It concludes with blessings for those celebrating a birthday and a gift from the Rabbi.

Third Friday, 7:45 pm: Shabbat Chinuch – Shabbat of Learning. This traditional Shabbat service will feature a teaching in either sermon or discussion format, occasionally led by a guest speaker or scholar.

Fourth Friday, 7:45 pm: Shabbat Shira. Our popular music Shabbat includes our wonderful volunteer choir, who will often be accompanied by musical guests.

When there is a 5th Friday in a given month, it follows the Shabbat Chinuch model beginning at 7:45 pm.

Every service includes a MiSheberach for healing and ends with the mentioning of those whose Yahrzeit is observed and the recitation of Kaddish.

Sharing Shabbaton the First Friday of the month, 5:45-6:15 pm (Check the bulletin for exact dates)

For children ages 3-6 (and their parents, grandparents and/or caregivers). This is a perfect way for young children and their parents to participate in the Shabbatexperience with beautiful music and exciting stories. Children will learn beginner’s prayers, sing and dance! We begin in the lobby with the lighting of candles, tzedakah and an opportunity to bless each other. In the sanctuary we sit on the bima for an abbreviated service and end with challah and juice.

Saturday Mornings at Community Synagogue

8:45 am – TorahStudy Service– All Are Welcome.
Every week of the year, our congregation meets to worship, to read Torahand to discuss the weekly Torah portion. In an interactive format we learn interpretations offered by our sages and share our own. In this way we come to learn what the Torah can teach us and to reflect on ways that the text touches upon our lives today. Rabbi Gropper, Rabbinic Intern Gottlieb, Cantor Mutlu or volunteer lay people lead the service and discussion.

10:15—10:45 am – Shabbat No'ar (youth service) and learner’s service. Join the students in our religious school for a dynamic, upbeat and interactive service where we delve deeply into the meaning of prayers to make them relevant to our lives. This service is led by our rabbi, cantor and students. It is a perfect opportunity for those who want to dip their toe into the world of worship but might feel unsure. Plus, it’s a great way to remind your kids that “the family that prays together stays together.”

11:15 am – Shabbat Worship Service. Almost every Saturday morning we celebrate a thirteen-year-old becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah. All are welcome to share in this simcha.