Shabbat Services
Shaharit (Morning Service) unfolds in four acts, each part meant to bring us to a higher level. Each part ends with a Kaddish (a prayer of sanctification).
Birchat Ha’Shachar (morning blessings) begins Shacharit. It is an expression of gratitude for the return of consciousness, the renewed miracle of life and functions of our bodies, and remembrance of our origins as a people.
The next level of Shacharit is P’sukei d’zimra (verses of song). Selections in P’sukei d’zimra, mostly from Psalms, elevate our prayer and praise of God in measured states to encompass all the world, indeed, all creation.
The Borchu is the formal call to prayer and leads us into the Sh’ma and its blessings. The Sh’ma itself is a text from the Bible, as is the commandment to recite it daily. This is a central statement of our faith and a time for deep focus and meditation. We are enjoined to pronounce every word distinctly. It is customary to turn inward and avoid all distraction during this portion of the service and to cover the eyes while reciting the first two lines of the prayer. The highest level of Shacharit, according to tradition, is the Amidah (standing prayer). Indeed, the Talmud simply refers to it as “the prayer.” Here we stand before our Creator to share what is in our hearts while reciting the very words our ancestors have used for thousands of years. This is also a time for personal prayers and meditation.
Torah Service (Jewish Learning) A Torah scroll is removed from the Ark and carried in a procession through the sanctuary. As a sign of reverence, many kiss the Torah as it passes, using their Tallitot or Siddurim. You can follow the Torah reading in Hebrew or English in the Chumash.
The Torah reading is divided into several sections, during which several people will be honored with an Aliyah – “going up” to the Torah. After the Torah reading, someone will chant the Haftarah (selection from one of the Books of the Prophets) and the rabbi (or a member of the congregation) will share thoughts on the Torah reading in a D’var Torah (word of the Torah). Please consult the weekly bulletin for the page numbers of this week’s Torah and Haftarah readings.
During the Torah service, we offer a Misheberach L’cholim (prayer for healing) in which all are invited to call forth the names of those in need of healing. After prayers for the congregation, country, peace, and/or the State of Israel, the Torah will be paraded around the sanctuary a second time and returned to the Ark.
Musaf and Conclusion (Additional Service) We recite a second, slightly different Amidah, followed by closing hymns and the Kaddish (Mourner’s Prayer). All children are invited to the Bimah to join us in “Adon Olam” at the end of the Service.