Shabbat Services  

As you enter the sanctuary, you will be greeted by someone saying, Shabbat Shalom!  This simply means "peaceful Sabbath."  

Each Shabbat we come together to exalt and give praise and thanks to our Creator, combining traditional Jewish (Sephardic) liturgy, both in Hebrew and English, with Scripturally-based praise and worship music to lead us into the presence of the Holy One.  You will most likely see clapping and/or hands lifted (Psalm 47:1 and Psalm 134:2), as we sing and give praise to Adonai (Psalm 63:5).

Following the liturgy and music portion of the service, our Rabbi teaches from the weekly assigned Torah portions (Parashat), revealing Yeshua (Jesus) as the Word become flesh (John 1:1-18), bringing the Scriptures to life, strengthening our relationship with the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

You may already be familiar with the fringed prayer shawl worn by men (tallit).  In Numbers 15:37-41, Adonai gives the "fringes," to be worn on the four corners of their garmets, as a reminder for His people to keep His mitzvot (commandments), to be holy, and not to be led astray.  The use of the tallit (the outer garment, more like we know today) began in the Biblical period around 1800 B.C.E.

The kippah, or yarmulke, (skullcap) is worn by many Jewish men.  There is no Biblical reference to the kippah; however, there are references to head coverings worn by the Levitical Priesthood (the Cohanim).  The kippah, traditionally, serves as a reminder that G-d is the authority above us, and is an outward sign of respect for His house.  Kippot and tallitot are available for use during service, but not required.

At the end of service, all are invited to an Oneg Shabbat (Sabbath Delight) to enjoy a time of food and fellowship.