Beth Israel Judea worship seeks to nurture the Jewish soul. From the chanting of the Torah at our weekly Shabbat morning minyan to the variety of our Erev Shabbat services, you will find opportunities to fill your heart.
Rabbi Rosalind Glazer and Cantorial Soloist David Morgenstern are committed to a Judaism that is vibrant, relevant and compelling, and making Beth Israel Judea your "spiritual home." We hope to rekindle and strengthen your relationship with G*d in our worship.
The congregation uses the recently published and highly-regarded Siddur Eit Ratzon prayerbook. This modern prayerbook features Hebrew prayers with side-by-side English transliterations and translations as well as meaningful additions and commentary.
Our weekly Shabbat morning minyan blends the traditional Hebrew service and nusach chanting with beautiful contemporary prayer music. The service is followed by a terrific Kiddush luncheon.
Each of our Friday night Erev Shabbat services takes a different approach to the Shabbat:
On the first Friday of the month, we offer a family-centric service preceded by a potluck dinner. The service is lead by Rabbi Rosalind along with our young guitarist and songleader Jessica Turk. Our prayerbook is the URJ’s Gates of Prayer for Young People.
The second Friday evening of the month brings our Musical Shabbos lead by David Morgenstern along with piano accompaniment by Inara Morgenstern. There are plenty of familiar Shabbat melodies and an emphasis on the music of Shlomo Carlebach.
On the third Friday evening, BIJ often celebrates a “Friday Night Feast,” a catered Shabbath dinner followed by table singing of Z’mirot, Sabbath songs, and a speaker. Kaddish is said for those remembering a yahrzeit.
The fourth Friday night brings our innovative Sacred Hebrew Chant and Drum service, which combines congregational vocalists and a group of drummers. The service uses its own home-grown prayerbook and features close-harmony chants, a guided meditation and innovative prayer forms. Read more abou it here.
Of course, there are the festivals, holy days and services for special occasions, some lead by lay leaders, youth and synagogue groups such as the Jewish War Veterans.
The usual schedule for Shabbat services is:
First Friday Evening: 6:30pm potluck dinner; 7:30pm service
Second Friday Evening: 7:30pm service
Third Friday Evening: 6:30pm dinner
Fourth Friday Evening: 7:30pm service
Fifth Friday Evening: 7:30pm service
Shabbat morning Torah study: 9:00am
Shabbat morning services: 10am