Shabbat is a time to pause, reflect, and come together as a community. At Beth El, we gather every Friday evening and Saturday morning to celebrate the beauty and meaning of Shabbat through prayer, music, and connection. Our services blend Hebrew and English, and include singing, Torah readings, and thoughtful reflections or sermons (D'var Torah) that speak to our lives today. Whether you're a regular or visiting for the first time, you’ll find a warm, inclusive space to mark this sacred time each week.

Friday Evening Shabbat Services

Our Friday evening Shabbat services are a joyful and welcoming way to begin the weekend. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, services begin at 6:30 PM; from Labor Day to Memorial Day, they begin at 7:30 PM.

Bring your spirit, your voice, and your openness as we welcome Shabbat—the sacred time for rest and renewal—with heartfelt prayer and song. Services are participatory and uplifting, usually accompanied by piano and featuring a brief D’var Torah (a short teaching or reflection). We use Mishkan T’filah, the prayerbook of the Reform movement, offering a balance of Hebrew and English.

Throughout the year, students in grades 4–7 also help lead Shabbat services on select Friday nights, joining the clergy in guiding our community through prayer and song. These services highlight the learning and leadership of our young people and are especially meaningful for families.

Come early! One hour before services, we host a Social Hour with light appetizers and wine—a perfect opportunity to grab a nosh, catch up with friends, or just relax before worship.

Following services, we invite you to stay for Oneg Shabbat, a time to enjoy refreshments and community as we continue the joy of Shabbat together.

Saturday Morning Shabbat Services

Join us every Saturday morning at 10:30 AM in the main sanctuary for a meaningful and spirited Shabbat experience. Our service includes traditional davening (chanting of prayers), primarily in Hebrew, along with thoughtful reflections, joyful melodies, and a deep connection to our sacred texts.

Many Saturdays also feature a B’nai Mitzvah—a young member of our community marking their coming of age by reading Torah, chanting Haftarah, offering a D’var Torah, and helping lead the service. These moments are truly special, and everyone is warmly welcome to join in the celebration. Whether or not there is a B’nai Mitzvah, Shabbat morning services at Beth El are always open to all.

If you’d like to participate by reading Torah, chanting, or sharing a reflection, we’d love to include you.

After services, we gather for Kiddush, where we bless the wine and challah, enjoy refreshments, and spend time together as a community.

Tot ShabBat

Tot Shabbat is a joyful, song-filled Shabbat experience designed especially for children from birth through 2nd grade—and their grown-ups! Led by our beloved Early Childhood Music Specialist, Carol Boyd Leon, this interactive service is filled with music, movement, and storytelling that brings Shabbat to life for our youngest community members.

Held twice a month on Saturday mornings, Tot Shabbat often features fun themes—like Apples and Honey around the High Holidays or a special Passover Tot Shabbat, complete with a kid-friendly Haggadah written by Carol herself.

Just like our Friday night services, Tot Shabbat includes a post-service oneg with snacks and social time, generously sponsored by parent volunteers. It’s a great way to meet other families and build community.

Check our calendar to find the next Tot Shabbat—we can’t wait to see you there!