|
|
Ritual
at Beth Am
Reform Judaism seeks to both revive ancient rituals that have modern
meaning, and create new ones to mark important moments in our lives, both
individually and collectively. Beth Am attempts to combine tradition with
creative experimentation by the dynamic participation of our students,
congregants and Rabbi. The following are some of the ritual practices at
Beth Am which we hope will better acquaint you with our temple.
- We encourage active participation by both men and women equally in
all aspects of ritual. Our Children become Bar and Bat Mitzvah at
Shabbat morning services. These services are identical for boys and
girls.
- Shabbat services are held Friday evenings at 8:00 P.M. and Saturday
mornings at 10:30. The first Friday of every month (except July and
August) we have a Family Service which begins at 7:30 P.M. to enable
younger children to attend. However, parents are encouraged to bring
children to all services. The Torah is read at evening and morning
services so that worshippers at both services may benefit from its
teachings. Besides our regular High Holy Day services, a young
children's service, led by the Rabbi and Cantor is held on Rosh
Hashannah and Yom Kippur.
- The traditional wearing of the kipah at all services and the tallit
at morning services is welcomed at Beth Am.
- Our basic ritual follows that of SHARREI TEFILLAH: GATES OF PRAYER.
The combination of modern readings, traditional prayers and responsive
readings... in Hebrew and English... has provided a meaningful religious
experience for those who do and for those who do not read Hebrew.
- Music at services is lead by the Cantor and is composed of both
traditional and modern melodies, with active participation by the
congregation encouraged.
- Our Temple follows the Israeli calendar of holiday observances: two
days of Rosh Hashannah, one day of all other holidays. Yizkor services
are held on Yom Kippur, Simchat Torah, the seventh day of Passover and
Shavuot. Our High Holy Day liturgy is from SHAAREI TESHUVAH: GATES OF
REPENTANCE.
- Each fall, a special service is dedicated to the consecration of new
students in the Religious School, with each child receiving a Torah
scroll and an appropriate memento of the event. Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates
are scheduled well in advance, with the approval of the Rabbi, Ritual
Committee and Education Committee, for those students who meet academic
requirements. The Bar / Bat Mitzvah conducts the entire Shabbat morning
service and leads the Kiddush on Erev Shabbat (Friday Night).
- We consider Bar / Bat Mitzvah to be a beginning of a new level of
Jewish learning; it is not a conclusion of anything but childhood. As
such, we expect our students to continue their studies through
Confirmation (10th grade).
- Our Rabbi speaks out on all subjects without limitation or censure
and encourages congregational feedback on all issues.
|
