Shabbat
Shabbat
According to a midrash, God once said, “I have a precious jewel in my possession which I wish to give to Israel. And Shabbat is its name.” No Jew who has ever truly tasted the delight of Shabbat could argue with that description. If anything, it might be an understatement.
To a person looking from the outside, Shabbat might appear to be restrictive. A cursory glance at its traditional prohibitions might lead one to assume that it is day lacking joy and spirit. Yet experienced from within, it is just the opposite. Shabbat is a glorious release from weekday concerns and routine pressures. It is a day of peace, tranquility, inner joy and spiritual uplift accompanied by song and delight.
Shabbat is a precious treasure. It is a time for families to gather around their dining room tables. A time of sharing, resting, singing, walking, eating, praying and loving. Truly, God has given no more precious gift to Israel!
- Guests are always welcome at Beth El Synagogue, especially over the course of Shabbat.
- Shabbat Services at Beth El take place at the following times:
- Friday Evening at 5:45 pm until about 7:00 pm
- Saturday Morning at 9:00 am until about 11:45 am
- Saturday Afternoon at either 5:45 pm or 4:30 pm (depending on the time of the year) and lasts about 45 minutes.
*The schedule for the Saturday afternoon (minhah) service changes with daylight savings time – meeting at 5:45 pm during daylight savings time and at 4:30 pm the rest of the year. We encourage those interested in attending to call the office during business hours at 952.873.7300 to confirm the current schedule.
Alternative Shabbat Services
Apples & Honey
Occurs on the first Shabbat of the month from 10-11:00 a.m. in the Fiterman Chapel. Adults and children will enjoy this abbreviated, informal, participatory Shabbat morning family service. Geared to children up through 4th grade.
Iyun Tefillah: Meditation Minyan
A service that includes meditation and a slower pace of the early morning service. Contact Cantor Audrey Abrams 952.873.7315 for more information.
Kabbalat Shabbat Summer Style Service
An upbeat service every Friday night from June through August enhanced through the participation of “the Beth El band.”
Children’s Shabbat Programs
Special programming for children and youth can be found under the Learning and Youth page.