Religious Services
Shabbat Services
Spirituality
The 1st Friday each month, our popular Tot Shabbat service starts at 6 pm for families of very young children (primarily ages 2-5), with simple Shabbat rituals and lots of singing. This is followed by a Family Potluck Dinner (vegetarian/dairy), at 6:30 pm, for families with children of all ages. Then our Family Shabbat Service begins at 7:30 pm. This service is tailored for families with school-aged children. Family Shabbat services feature youth-oriented music accompanied by guitar, with most prayers sung by all. Rabbi Wolfe gives a short talk, especially suited for children.
The 2nd Friday of the month is our “Shabbat Alive” service, which begins at 6 pm and is followed by a vegetarian/dairy potluck dinner, and a program or discussion. Music at this service often includes guitar and lively melodies.
The 3rd through 5th Friday evenings each month, at 8 pm, Kabbalat Shabbat services offer an opportunity to begin Shabbat and the weekend with warmth, friendship and a letting-go of work-day responsibilities. Most prayers of the service to welcome Shabbat and the evening service are sung together by the congregation, and Rabbi Wolfe offers meaningful words, often related to the week’s Torah portion.
Saturday morning services, at 10 am (preceded by Torah Study, at 9 am), are somewhat traditional, and have a devoted group of attendees, who treasure this intimate service that includes a feeling of family, along with much group participation. Many prayers are changed or sung together. There is also an opportunity for some quiet, reflective time. The service begins with the introductory prayers and Shaharit, the morning service. These are followed by Rabbi Wolfe’s comments on the week’s Torah portion, the service with the reading of the Torah, and a brief concluding service. Most attendees take an active part if they wish, and those interested in learning new skills are encouraged – any mistakes are viewed as the mitzvot of enthusiastic learners!
High Holy Days
Visit in late summer for the 2013 High Holy Days Schedule
Festivals
Hundreds of Jewish people including students from the University of California at Davis gather in spiritual renewal as the community observes the Days of Awe.
Services are held for all festivals and holy days during the year. A community seder is held during Passover.
