What time are services on Friday?
On the first Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m., we hold our Family Shabbat Service. On all other Fridays, our Shabbat Evening Service begins at 7:30 p.m. Many months, we also offer a Tot Shabbat Service at 6:00 p.m. Please check our calendar for the specific dates of our Tot Shabbat Services and for any special scheduling circumstances.
I have not attended a service at Beth Shalom before. What can I expect?
Our Shabbat Services are warm and inviting. To encourage the participation of all who join us, Hebrew and English are combined and balanced. Our prayer book contains full transliteration of all prayers and songs so that, if you do not read Hebrew, you may comfortably and easily join in. We are fortunate to have many talented musicians and singers who lead us in song and enhance our services with a combination of traditional and contemporary music.
Is it ok to bring our young children to services?
Absolutely! We delight in our children experiencing our Shabbat Services, hearing and participating in our prayers and songs, and becoming comfortable in our synagogue. We also offer Family Shabbat and Tot Shabbat services which are geared specifically for younger children. In addition, we have a "cry room" in our sanctuary for those parents and grandparents who bring young children, so that they can enjoy our service while attending to their children.
I have a class project that requires me to visit a place of worship for a religion other than my own and was hoping to visit Beth Shalom. Is this ok?
Yes, please join us for any of our Friday evening Shabbat services. Times are listed above, and we'd be happy to have you respectfully observe and participate with us!
What is the cost of membership?
While we have a suggested membership dues for households, which are available in our New Member Application Form, we rely on each household to assess what can be comfortably given, whether it is the suggested dues amount, more, or less. At Beth Shalom, we value and appreciate all membership contributions. No one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay the suggested membership fee. Here, at Beth Shalom, we first and foremost value each person as a member of our family and prioritize our mission to provide a community where adults, families, and youth can form connections with others and their Judaism. If you have questions or if you need assistance, please email our VP of Membership or our treasurer. If you wish to join our family, please complete our New Membership Application.