WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS | ABOUT OUR SHABBAT SERVICES

About our Shabbat Services

Shabbat Eve at Temple Emanu-El is a special experience. The different worship services in the Olan Sanctuary are distinct in tone, yet similarly reaching for beautiful music, stirring liturgy, provocative sermons, and the creation of community across the generations.

6:15 p.m.
This service is highly participatory, and features music led by the Cantor with accompaniment including piano and clarinet. Congregants are encouraged to join in familiar melodies as well as learn new ones. Children younger than Bar/Bat Mitzvah age have special programming during the sermon, then are welcomed back into the sanctuary for Kiddush and Motzi on the Bimah (raised platform).

8:15 p.m. This service features the music of our distinguished choir accompanied by organ. Congregants are encouraged to participate in music and prayers; there are many moments, too, for listening and reflection during solos or anthems. This service features more English readings than the 6:15 service and uses the Union Prayer Book. Following the longstanding tradition of Temple rabbis, the clergy aim to deliver sermons on the major social and spiritual issues of the day.