Shabbat

"For My house shall be a house of prayer for all people."
Isaiah 56:7

All are always welcome to explore our heritage, join us in the pursuit of its values, celebrate Shabbat, and experience the comfort and strength of the synagogue community.

In accordance with the egalitarian principles of the Reform Movement and Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, there are no assigned seats, and men and women worship together.

Congregants greet worshipers and assist in the transition from the secular world to the sacred setting, a barrier free environment for worship. Our security personnel provide an appropriate, professional, and warm welcome. Global security concerns are reflected in the procedures at SWFS; we ask for your patience and cooperation.

Shabbat is a precious gift – a defined time and frame of mind each week when we pause from our pursuits in the secular world to allow our divine instincts to come to the fore.

As you enter the Sanctuary, please be sure that your cell phone and other electronic devices are turned off. Be considerate of those in worship. (Please note that the doors between the lobby and sanctuary are not soundproof.) Strollers may not be taken into the Sanctuary; our security personnel will advise and help you park them in lobby or our mezzanine. Coat room and restrooms are on the lower, mezzanine level, accessible by elevator or broad stairway.

Kabbalat Shabbat Services usually begin with a niggun, a wordless melody, and all are asked to join in. We are accompanied by musicians led by our Cantor as we chant Psalms that prepare us for Shabbat. We welcome Shabbat with the song "L'cha Dodi," rising and turning to face the entrance to the sanctuary as the doors are open to symbolically greet the Shabbat bride. Congregants are called to the bimah to kindle and bless the lights of Shabbat and we continue with the evening Service. Rabbi Hirsch will explore the portion and speak on a subject of contemporary concern.

There is a moment in the Service when we pray the Mishebeirach for those who are ill. You will have an opportunity to recite a name. During the concluding prayers of the Service, the Kaddish will be recited. Our tradition is to encourage those who are in mourning or observing a Yahrzeit to rise as the name is read by the Rabbi; he will provide the opportunity for additional names to be recited by attendees, and then we rise as a community for the recitation of the prayer.

In Jewish tradition, blessings are recited before eating or drinking. At our celebration of Shabbat, following the service, please join the congregation in reciting the blessings before partaking of the Oneg (literally "delight"), a buffet of appetizers and sweets.

During the year, we arrange for light buffet suppers and sit-down dinners following Services. We hope you will attend and participate fully in our communal observance, and that you will explore home observance with family and friends.

Men and women may wear whatever ritual garments they find appropriate. A kippah (yarmulke, in Yiddish; skullcap, in English) will be available at the entrance; on Shabbat morning, you may borrow a tallit (prayershawl) from a limited collection, and of course worshipers are welcome to bring there own. There is no requirement for men or women, however, to wear these traditional items.

Children are welcome at all Services, but we realize that they may need a break. Feel free to move out of the sanctuary at any time and to return when you feel your child is ready to participate. SWFS provides complimentary childcare in our 5th floor Early Childhood Center playroom. Feel free to make use of this opportunity at any time.

Photography during Services can be discomforting to the leaders and fellow worshipers. With arrangements in advance, we do permit photographers to be stationed on the balcony to record the Service without flash.

Food and drink are not permitted in the sanctuary. Parents should use their discretion with regard to water for their babies; milk or snacks would best be provided in the childcare facility provided.

Year–round, Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat Services begin at 6 pm. Saturday morning Shabbat Services begin at 10:45 am.

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch and Cantor Daniel Singer lead evening and morning Shabbat Services, except Saturday mornings from July 4th through Labor Day weekend which are lay–led Services. Any adult Jewish congregant who would like to lead a summer morning Service is encouraged to contact our Ritual Committee Chair, via Donna Levine Assistant to the Clergy.