For thousands of years Shabbat has offered the Jewish People the opportunity to come together as a community to reconnect with ourselves, our tradition and each other. Beth Am offers several avenues to enhance the Shabbat experience.
Shabbat morning services* are held every Saturday throughout the year in our beautiful, old-world style sanctuary. They begin at 9:30 and are followed by a congregational kiddush luncheon. All are welcome to attend. Many families celebrate bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah simchas during the Shabbat service.
Our building is bustling with energetic children on Shabbat morning! Younger children march in the Torah parade; older ones receive the honor of reciting certain prayers from the Bimah and children of all ages are invited to lead the congregation in song. Our programs in the building allow for children from infants to 5th graders to engage and participate in age-appropriate ways, and children are always welcome in the Sanctuary at any time.
Kesher Services – Kesher means connection. Several times each month we congregate in the welcoming and casual space of our social hall, where we turn the D’var Torah into an engaging discussion.
Shabbat Yachad – Our goal is to engage children and their grown-ups in meaningful experiences on Shabbat that lay the foundation for a lifelong connection to Judaism and love of Torah. Shabbat Yachad combines familiar children’s Shabbat songs with age-appropriate sensory experiences for newborns to kindergartners.
Childcare – Childcare is provided every Shabbat, for children 18 months to 5 years old. It begins at 10 am, with a snack at 11 am, followed by Shabbat Yachad at approximately 10:45 am when scheduled.
Shabbat Lunch – Following the Shabbat service, congregants gather for a full dairy lunch and the opportunity to socialize. Visitors to services are welcome to join and meet members of the congregation.
Family Services – Beth Am provides a youth service for children in lower grades during the Shabbat Service, from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Students, led by Rabbi Faith Cantor, explore the week’s Torah portion, then return to the main service to lead the congregation in singing “Ein Keloheinu.”
Klei Kodesh – Throughout the year, we welcome Shabbat with music and song at our our once-monthly Friday evening Klei Kodesh services. These services are ideal for families and the congregation to celebrate Shabbat together and are often paired with a dinner.
“Shabbat is Awesome!”– These Friday evening Shabbat services are designed for families with young children, with music and song, followed by dinner.
Services in the Park (Summer) – On select Fridays in the Summer, enjoy Kabbalat Shabbat with friends with food, fun, and schmoozing at an outdoor space near the shul. Pack a picnic, invite family and friends! No RSVP necessary, all are welcome.
Check out our 2023/5783 summer services schedule here!
* This page describes services and activities in non-Covid times. Please refer to the weekly E-Mail or call the office to ask if a particular service, or child care is currently happening.
