Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday 8.00 p.m.

Shabbat Morning Services
Saturday Morning 10.00 a.m.

Chevrat Torah Study
Saturday 12.15 p.m. in the Jordan Pearlson Chapel

Shabbat B'yachad
December 2008

Shabbat at Sinai
Each Shabbat morning, when someone enters our communal home here at Temple, what is his or her experience? Whether it belongs to one individual or five thousand, a home is made of values, not bricks and mortar. During the past year, our Pulpit and Services Committee, under the leadership of chairperson Larry Robbins and in partnership with the rabbis and cantors, has considered how to build our values even more clearly into our Shabbat experience. As most of the innovation considered will become part of our Shabbat this fall, here are some of our values and how you will encounter them at Sinai.

Accessibility—Those who come to Shabbat morning services will be welcomed home through our front doors in the rotunda and our accessibility door off the parking lot. Whether attending for the seventh time that week, or the first time ever, each person will be greeted by a volunteer and a rabbi or cantor together.

Learning and engagement—While our services begin at 10.00 a.m., we will begin to gather at 9.30 a.m. Every week, there will be two or more opportunities to learn Torah or hear about Israel; to consider our impact on the environment or on each other; to learn about advocacy opportunities or share in the expertise of members of the Temple family. On many weeks, this initial informal learning will find expression in the d’var Torah in our service as well.

Caring and community—Our welcomers and greeters look forward to meeting all those who share in our Shabbat, whether for regular davening or attending a simchah. Every Shabbat is multi-generational, but one Shabbat each month will be specially designed with students and families in mind.

Active participation—There will be new opportunities for those present who wish for involvement in leading our tefillah. There will be creative ways to lead and sing, pray, learn, and teach.

Tradition and innovation—The core of our service will continue to speak of our commitment to tradition and history. We look forward to building on this solid foundation with creativity in our use of liturgy, music, and teaching.

Openness—If you haven’t joined us on Shabbat morning in some time, come for a yahrtzeit or just come for yourself. You may find yourself leading or participating with the whole community. We look forward to meeting you and learning with you at 9.30 a.m. and praying with you thereafter.