In addition to the traditional main service, Beth El offers many opportunities to learn and engage in different spiritual opportunities. Please review below and mark your calendars for each date. Make this the year you try Shabbat at Beth El!

Torah Talk
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Rudd Auditorium

Text study of the weekly portion with Rabbi Roston & guest teachers every Saturday morning before the morning service.

Main Service
9:30 am
Rudd Auditorium
temporary location during construction

Congregation Beth El is a fully egalitarian congregation. All honors are extended to both men and women. Children are welcome to attend all services. Babysitting is provided on Shabbat mornings starting at 10:00 am on the lower level.

Participation is an important part of our community so at any given time you will find the preliminary services and Shacharit services are led by either Rabbi Roston, Cantor Fine or various lay leaders. Participation in the Torah service is an important part of Beth El's culture. Every week, members of our congregation and the bar/bat mitzvah and their families, chant the weekly verses as well as those of the Haftarah. Younger children often lead prayers such as Ashrei, Ein Keloheynu and Adon Olam. After Rabbi Roston's teaching, the congregation participates in chanting of the uplifting melodies of the musaf service.

After services, all are welcome to join together a light Shabbat lunch. It has become a ritual over the years to spend Shabbat lunch with our Beth El family. Please join us!

Shabbat Ohr
Sabbath of Light
9:30am
Rudd Auditorium
October 24, 2009   January    March 27, 2010     April 17     May 15    

Shabbat Ohr ¡ª new rhythms, new meanings, a new way of looking at the world as a modern Jew. This new experience invites you to participate in lively singing, engaging learning, meditation, and Bibliodrama. When you leave this experience, you might even see the world in a new light!

Led by Rabbi Roston and Cantor Fine; Accompanied by Michael Morris and Howard Cooper.
Lay©\led Library Minyan in Room 104, 9:30am

Synaplex Shabbat
9:30am
Various locations throughout Beth El
November 13-14, 2009   February 5-6, 2010   March 5-6   May 14-15   

Synaplex at Beth El is about choices. Throughout the year, we offer flexible Shabbat alternative experiences to match the diversity of spiritual, cultural and educational interests of our congregation & community. From meditation to family services to inspiring discussions, we believe Synaplex strengthens Jewish identity and the Beth El community.

Some of Beth El's offerings have included:
Shal-om Yoga ∙ Jewish Meditation ∙ Judaism & the Environment ∙ Healing Service ∙ Discussion groups w/Guest Speakers ∙ Havdalah & Kosher Wine Tasting ∙ Building Jerusalem One Lego at a Time

Also, the Teen Experience with Morah Miki Fine, age-appropriate Children's Services & Babysitting.

All gather together for Kiddush luncheon following services.

Congregation Beth El is proud to be part of the Synaplex initiative of STAR (Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal), a philanthropic partnership of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation and The Samuel Bronfman Foundation.

Learners' Minyan
Room 104

The service begins at 10:15am and usually ends by noon. Please join us for Kiddush luncheon after minyan.

The Beth El Learners' Minyan meets on the third Shabbat of each month. Each session we join together for an abridged Shabbat morning service and discuss one portion of the service, as well as some of the elements that make Jewish prayer a special experience. Learners' Minyan 2009-2010 dates coming soon.

ALL ARE WELCOME, regardless of background, Hebrew reading ability, and previous experience. Please join us!