Rock My Soul Shabbat Services - Only At Temple Avodah
One of our most popular Erev Shabbat services is what we lovingly call The Rock My Soul Shabbat -- our Rock Shabbat Service. Some call it Jazz Shabbat. Rabbi Goren recently called it a Music Shabbat, and expressed it best: no matter what we call it, its the bringing of music to celebrate in our souls the prayers and joy as we (as friends, family and the Temple Avodah family) welcome Shabbat together. This very moving service features the voices of our Junior Choir, as well as musical instruments and singing (and sometimes dancing) by the Temple congregation. Dancing in the aisles is encouraged. You will leave feeling inspired. Its only at Temple Avodah.
Be sure to check the Calendar on this website for dates and times of the next Rock Shabbat service, which will also be posted here on the Shabbat page when the next one is announced!
Erev Shabbat Ruach Service
Our Ruach Service, as the Hebrew word implies, it is a more "spiritual, flexible, informal" way to welcome Shabbat. The service is not in the sanctuary, but we sit in a semi-circle, we sing, we pray, we try to find a new way to relate to God. Come dressed in jeans or with a tie... it does not matter. Be at Temple Avodah and elevate your ruach, your spirit.
Erev Shabbat Casual Services
Our Casual Service, is a one hour service. We welcome Shabbat with our regular prayers. There is a feeling of friendship and community that only an informal setting can really create.
Come and experience how easy to is to find the sanctity of Shabbat.
How you dress the body is not important...how we dress the soul matters.
Parallel Service
A ParallelService is held when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah on a Friday night. The service is lead by congregants, allowing the congregation to continue with our regular kabbalat Shabbat, our welcoming of Shabbat Service, while simultaneously the Bar/Bat Mitzvah family is given complete and full attention. Of course, congregants are always welcomed at all our services, and can choose between attending the Parallel Service or the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service.
Anniversary, Birthday and Adult Choir Service
Our Anniversary, Birthday and Adult Choir Service is held once a month. Our adult choir leads our prayers with their beautiful voices. Led by our Cantor, they enhance our Service and help us elevate our soul. At this Service we also offer a blessing to couples that are celebrating their anniversarys and to persons celebrating their birthday in that particular month. Celebrating persons are called to the Bima for the blessing. It is a very musical service, where more "classic" liturgical music is sung.
Themed Shabbat Services
Many of Temple Avodah's services end with a special oneg shabbat that follows a special theme. Ice Cream, chicken dinner, even baseball themes appear in the schedule, combining a casual service with a creative oneg. Peanuts, cracker-jacks, warm soft pretzels, all sorts of ice cream pops and cones and a cake decorated in a baseball would be part of the plan. Check the calendar or the Special Events listing for more details on upcoming themed services. See photos below for past events. (Photos by Milch Photo)
Erev Shabbat & Shabbat Services at Temple Avodah
Erev Shabbat and Shabbat at Temple Avodah
Temple Avodah offers varied services to welcome Shabbat. Our Erev Shabbat services are held on Friday evenings and times vary based on the week, beginning at 8:00pm, 7:30 pm, 7:00pm or 6:30 pm, depending on the Service type. Families and children are welcomed at every service, but some services begin at an earlier time to encourage family attendance.
Our services often have a theme to make Erev Shabbat even more special. Some past services have included themes such as: Rock Shabbat, Cookie Shabbat, Ice Cream Oneg Shabbat, Chocolate Shabbat, Jerusalem Shabbat, Chametz Shabbat, Pizza Shabbat, Exodus Shabbat, Pajama Shabbat, BBQ Shabbat, and a Chicken Dinner Shabbat. We’ve also had special honor and celebratory Erev Shabbats for our Sisterhood, Adult B'nai Mitzvah, Confirmants and Religious School Graduates. And, we are always seeking new innovative ideas for special Erev Shabbat service types. If you have an idea, we welcome you to send us your suggestion. You are also welcome to come help us plan that special service. We always welcome the input of our congregants and community members to enhance the Shabbat experience.
Often our services are combined with a special dinner meal to enhance and welcome Shabbat together as a family with congregants, Cantor and Rabbi sharing the Sabbath meal. Your home at Temple Avodah is an extension of your own family’s home. As a family, sharing the Shabbat service and meal bring us closer together and brings in Shabbat in a warm and inviting way.
Shabbat services held on Saturday mornings vary and are often to honor a Bar or Bat Mitzvah student on their special day, or for another special occasion.
Details about Erev Shabbat services, or Shabbat services, including service start time, can always be found on the calendar page of our website.
And, we are always seeking new innovative ideas for special Erev Shabbat service types. If you have an idea, we welcome you to send us your suggestion. You are also welcome to come help us plan that special service. We always welcome the input of our congregants and community members to enhance the Shabbat experience. 