| The Traditional Shabbat Service
Our traditional service is generally held on the third Friday of the month. The
service is done mostly in Hebrew, and is probably closest to a conservative service,
using “traditional” melodies, which of course depend on whatever “tradition” one
grew up with. All of the Shabbat elements are in the service.
We start with some familiar songs, such as “Yedid Nefesh” or “Mah Tovu”, and continue on with candle lighting. (Except for summer, the candles are generally lit before the service, since Shabbat has already begun, but we recite the prayer together.) We then move to Kabbalat Shabbat, the series of psalms customary for welcoming the Shabbat, usually singing some portion of each in Hebrew, or reading responsively in English. This leads to the singing of “L’cha Dodi”, followed by more psalms. We then do our healing prayer, since psalms are used for healing. The Barchu, or Call to Worship is next, followed by the prayers leading to the Sh’ma and then Mi Chamocha. With some more songs and prayers, and the Chatzi Kaddish, we are ready for the Amidah, the silent devotion, which allows us to pray individually in a group setting. That is followed by the semi-repetition of the prayers in Magen Avot; this section is completed with the Kaddish Shaleym. We are then ready for the discussion of the week’s parshah, or reading from the Torah. After everyone who wants has their say, we are ready to conclude the service with the Aleynu, Mourner’s Kaddish, announcements of upcoming events, and a final song. We then move to the Oneg table for Kiddush over wine and challah, and then the oneg of sweets and schmoozing.
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