 Beth
Am is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and uses
Siddur Hadash for Shabbat and holiday services. For High Holydays, we use The
New Mahzor/Mahzor Hadash. Although the prayers and chants are traditional,
services are relaxed, informal and child-friendly. As an egalitarian, participatory
congregation, members play active roles in the services. Our volunteer choir
sings many melodies handed down by the building's first cantor, Abba Weisgall.
At many Shabbat services, topical discussions or special guest presentations
substitute for rabbinic sermons.
Shabbat Services
Our principal Shabbat Service begins Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and is
followed by a congregational kiddush luncheon. For a schedule of services,
click here.
Family Services
One Shabbat morning service each month is designed to encourage Beth Am's
families to enjoy the sanctuary service together. (Babysitting is provided
for younger children.)
Friday Evening Services
Beth Am offers occasional Friday evening services for special events, the
religious school, or young adults. These services are often paired with a
dinner — or, in the case of services for young adults, a wine reception.
For more about Young Adult programs, click
here.
Young Leaders Shabbat for 1st–4th Grade Students
"...to provide its students with the knowledge necessary to
feel comfortable as Jews in the synagogue, our local community, the
world, and within themselves..." These are the words we read in Beth
Am Religious School's philosophy and mission. After going through a
reflective Religious Services Task Force process, it was clear that providing
leadership opportunities in all types of Shabbat services at Beth Am for children
was of utmost importance to parents. To this end, and in order to make
our children "comfortable as Jews in the synagogue", we will continue our
efforts in encouraging and empowering our children to take on leadership roles. Our
Junior Congregation Service will now be referred to as "Young Leaders Shabbat" and
will be an opportunity for our 1st-4th grade children to gain comfort in a
prayer service and showcase their skills and knowledge. Parents will
receive information through e-mail about upcoming leadership opportunities
in our Young Leadership Shabbat service. Day School and Religious school
children will be invited to lead prayers, read Torah, share readings, and
share visual and dramatic art.
Tot Shabbat
Our youngest members, ages 2-5, love the hour-long monthly service, which
includes interactive activities, arts and crafts and Bible stories and helps
them feel at home in the synagogue. Tot Shabbats are on the same days as Family
Services.
High Holydays
The High Holydays are made even more meaningful by special Beth Am services.
Rosh Hashonah is marked by both piety and the joys of new beginnings and seeing
old friends. On Yom Kippur, the Martyrology Service provides in-depth insight
into a historical incident of persecution and the individuals who maintained
their Jewish faith. The annual afternoon Open Forum is a popular and lively
discussion of current events and Biblical interpretations.
B'nai Mitzvahs
The passage of a young Jewish person to spiritual, moral and religious maturity
is a joyous celebration. At this event the young person receives their first
tallit, is called to the Torah for the first time, and chants a reading from
the Haftorah. Beth Am practice is to celebrate only one family's bar mitzvah
or bat mitzvah at a single service. Many adult congregants have also celebrated
at Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Beth Am.
Summer Services in the Park
Once a month, in July and August, our congregants celebrate Erev Shabbat with
a brief service and picnic in beautiful Druid Hill Park.
Resources
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Candle lighting is at 7:13 pm on Friday, September 5.