Shabbat and Holiday Observances at Beth Emek

Shabbat Evening Services
Shabbat evening services are held every Friday evening at 8:00p except for the third Friday of the month. On the third Fridays, we have a 6:30p Community Shabbat Subscription Dinner followed by a 7:30p Community Shabbat Service. Shabbat services are filled with music and warmth, encouraging everyone to participate at a comfortable level. Following services, we gather in our social hall for oneg, which congregants host on a rotating basis.

Shabbat Morning Services
Shabbat morning services are brief and held Saturdays from 9:30a until 10:00a, except when a bar/bat mitzvah is scheduled. The service is conducted entirely in Hebrew and is followed by Torah study at 10:00a for those who wish to stay for a lively discussion of the week's portion.

Family Shabbat Morning Services
Are evening services too late for your young children? Family services provice an opportunity for young children to actively participate in the warmth and joy of Shabbat with their families. This is a prayer experience for families with young children. We strongly encourage grandparents, siblings and friends to come and pray with us. Snack will be provided following the service. Check the calendar for the date of our next family service.

Havdalah
Havdalah is celebrated periodically, usually in the home of a congregant. See our calendar for time and location.

Holiday Services
We observe the Jewish holidays and festivals with religious services and communal celebrations, including education support for all who are interested. Everyone is welcome to all of our Holiday celebrations

High Holy Days
We strive to create a comfortable atmosphere in our early and late services. Congregants and community members can choose services that include choir or guitar accompaniment. Our teens have a choice to worship on Erev Rosh Hashana in a service especially tailored and led by the youth of the community. We hold second day Rosh Hashana services followed by Tashlich at the arroyo that flows alongside Beth Emek.

High Holy Day Information

Sukkot – Harvest Holiday
In addition to shaking the lulav under our new Sukkah, this year over 100 people joined together for Shabbat Dinner in our Sukkah. A comedy troupe entertained all ages and Adults gathered for an elegant evening of Port and Chocolate. Don’t miss next year’s festivities.

Simchat Torah – The giving of the Torah
Dance and sing with us as we end and begin our story and consecrate our newest young learners.

Chanukah- The Festival of Light
Join us as we light our 7 foot menorah to kick off dreidal playing, making and eating homemade latkes, and kindling the many different Chanukiot of our participants.

Purim – The Story of Queen Esther
Cheer, Boo and Sing as we read and chant the Story of Esther as a community.
Win prizes, play games and eat hamentashen at our spectacular Family Carnival.
Don’t miss our evolving Purimspiel, an adult evening of skits, comedy,  
singing, food and fun.

Passover – Festival of Freedom
On the second night of Passover, we don’t just tell the story of the exodus we relive it at our Community Seder an exuberant celebration of freedom.

For information on these and other Holiday worship and programs, see our calendar or consult Hagafen, our monthly newsletter.

Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat is a playgroup geared towards children ages birth to preschool. We meet once a week on Friday mornings at 9:30 in the sanctuary when our preschool is in session. Activities (9:30-10:30) include free play along with Shabbat or Jewish holiday themed projects including coloring or use of playdough. During the last 15 minutes we sing Shabbat music (led by Rabbi Rick when available) and share challah as we get ready for Shabbat. Beverages and snacks are provided. Please see our calendar for upcoming dates. Please contact our Tot Shabbat coordinators for more information.