It is our minhag (custom) to offer a variety of religious services and observances that will appeal to a broad range of congregants and guests. Listed below are short descriptions of each of our regular (or semi-regular!) worship services offered at Temple Emek Shalom. They are, of course, all subject to change, and for now, all offerings (unless otherwise noted) will be held via Zoom. (Please see the Meditation section for more specific information on our meditative offerings and retreats).
Shabbat Shirah
Shabbat Shirah (Sabbath of Song) is our all-music Friday evening Sabbath service led in prayer by Rabbi Benioff and might include musicians Bari Frimkess, Dave Young, Jordan Saturen, Jeff Solomon, and Dennis Freese. The Jewish music from around the world regularly includes Israeli, Sepharadi, Ashkenazi, and Mizrachi and also includes some contemporary music that captures the kavanah/intention of the Friday night shabbat prayers. Starting at 7:00 PM, many months throughout the year, we come together for this wonderful service. Join us!
Eat, Pray, Sing Family Shabbat Service
Every other month: Eat, Pray, Sing – Shabbat Around the Table is an informal potluck Shabbat dinner. It begins with the blessings over candles, wine and challah, Erev Shabbat songs, and a short story or teaching by the Rabbi, or another parent. After the meal, we join together in more z’mirot (songs).
Tot Shabbat
Every other month: Tot Shabbat, geared to younger children and their families, is a sweet time of gathering for prayers, songs, stories and movement followed by a potluck shabbat meal.
Join us for Torah study at 9:00 AM prior to Shabbat services on most Saturdays. Please see our calendar for the current schedule.
Shabbat morning Torah services begin at 10 AM.
Shabbat Morning Service
Shabbat Torah services are held each Saturday morning. Amidst the music of our prayers and Torah reading, we enjoy a Torah teaching (and often discussion) based on the week’s parashah (Torah portion). The first Shabbat service of every month is Shabbat Simcha, where we invite those celebrating a joyous occasion (simcha) to share that with us and to be honored with an Aliyah.
Chant/Meditative Service
A few times a year, our Rabbi is joined by Elizabeth Markell, Jeff Solomon, Sara Weber, and others for a special Shabbat morning service for a meditative Shabbat morning service interspersed with chant, silence, and teachings.
At 7:15 AM on Tuesdays and Fridays we gather together for a 45 minute Shacharit service.
At 7:30 PM on Thursdays we gather for a 45 minute Maariv service.
*Please note: Our Tuesday and Thursday services are co-offered with other congregations in the community.