Shabbat evening services typically begin at 8:00 p.m. Call the office at 773.761.5700 to learn of special events and schedule changes.
Our Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat (“Welcoming the Sabbath”) services are
inspired by Oneg Shabbat,
which literally means the Joy of Shabbat. Combining traditional Hebrew prayers, contemporary
English liturgy, music and meditation,
we create an oasis of serenity in an otherwise crazy week. A portion of every service is devoted to Torah study
and discussion instead of the traditional sermon.
Our holiday services also combine the traditional with the contemporary, creating the opportunity for us to be touched spiritually by the richness of our Jewish heritage. Be it a reflective, healing Selichot service at midnight or a boisterous, freylich (joyous) Simchat Torah celebration, our services reflect the essential Jewish principal of praying in community.
Communal prayer also emphasizes the experiential aspect of Jewish spirituality. Building and
decorating the Sukkah, learning how to
lead the Torah service, and making and distributing food baskets on Purim
are as integral a part of our liturgical year as are worship services.