Shabbat

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR OF B’NAI ISRAEL:
You may also look at the calendar for information about special Shabbat programming. On the home page, just roll your mouse over the date of your choosing. From the calendar page, click on the date for additional information.

Our Shabbat services are open to the entire community and all ages,
and we welcome visitors.  Our services are participatory and we
encourage you to join us in English, Hebrew and song.

We provide free child care during Friday night services for children
between the ages of 3 and 8.  No advance RSVP is necessary.

Notes:

1. Except when High Holy Day services include a Friday.
2. No drash.We will teach music & prayers from the service.
3. 12/23/11 - Chanukah Latke Dinner
   12/31/11 - Vegetarian Pot-Luck Dinner, we supply the entrée, you supply the sides, salads, and desserts
4. Catered Shabbat Dinner - a "traditional" multi-generational "family style" Shabbat dinner (everyone sitting around a big table) with shabbat z'mirot (Shabbat songs) led by Julie Steinberg and "torah talk" led by Rabbi Alfi.

Each service is filled with communal worship, time for reflection and plenty of music. On the second Friday of each month, February through mid-December, at 7:30pm we generally have our special 2nd Shabbes program featuring the music of our Cantorial Soloist Julie Steinberg, as well as song leader Michael Hersher. For 2nd Shabbes, we have a community Shabbat dinner at 6:30pm (please RSVP to the temple office (916) 446-4861or email Barbara no later than the Wednesday before the service. (NOTE: Be sure to double check the temple calendar for the 2nd Shabbes schedule.)

Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat is geared towards families with young children who wish to come and capture that special Shabbat Feeling!  Stories, dance and music are a part of the experience.  These events give your child or grandchild a sense of Shabbat in a joyous and fun-filled environment, and give you a chance to celebrate Shabbat with your child and other families.  Tot Shabbat begins at 6pm on the second Friday (2nd Shabbes) of each month, from September through June. (Please double check on the temple calendar.)

Shabbat Morning
Our Shabbat mornings are filled with plenty of interesting programs.  There is Torah study in the library from 9am to 10:30am.  At 10:30am, there is a Shabbat Torah service in either the Sanctuary or the Chapel. We encourage our congregants to become involved in all aspects of our Saturday morning services, including participating as Torah readers and sharing in other honors.

Mini Minyan
This is an interactive Shabbat morning experience for families with young children of all abilities.  This program features music, arts and crafts, and snacks.  It occurs on the 3rd  Saturday of each month, beginning at 10:30a.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room. Although this program is scheduled year-round, please contact the temple to confirm the summer schedule.

Music Makes Shabbat!
Our Shabbat is an experience you won't want to miss. We have a wonderful mix of traditional music and modern music with our songleaders, Cantorial Soloist Julie Steinberg, and Michael Hersher.