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Worship
Religious services at Etz Chaim are exceptionally warm and welcoming, reflecting and deepening our sense of community. In our sanctuary, the seats are arranged so that we see not only the front of the sanctuary, but also each other. Ascending the bimah requires only a step. As we take the Torah from the ark, we bring the Torah through the congregation. Our choir sits visible and close to the congregation, and the melodies they sing invite participation by the entire congregation. We experience our worship services not as isolated individuals but as part of a worshiping community.
Religious worship is held year round. In any given month there are a variety of services, including:
Shabbat evening services - Beginning at 8:15 PM each Friday (except Family Shabbat).
Tot Shabbat services - Held once a month at 6:30 PM, for toddlers and their parents. This brief 30-minute service introduces young children to Sabbath rituals and communal prayer, with songs and stories they can understand and enjoy.
Family Shabbat services - Held one Friday each month beginning at 7:30 PM, featuring a child-friendly story in lieu of a sermon and accessible, highly participatory music.
Shabbat morning services - Held throughout the year, beginning at 10:30 AM most Saturdays, whenever a bar/bat mitzvah is scheduled.
An Oneg Shabbat (Joy of the Sabbath reception) follows each evening service.
In addition, we observe the full cycle of Jewish holidays and festivals with worship services and joyous celebrations. The music of our soloists, song leader, and junior and senior choirs is woven throughout all of our worship services. |
the Union for Reform Judaism
