Services

The core of Temple Rodef Shalom is our Shabbat service — at the end of the week, we pause for Shabbat and come together as a community of people who care for each other. Together, in times of joy, sorrow, and every day, we hope to create a spiritual encounter with self, community and God.  

Reflecting the diversity of our membership, we have diversity in our prayer-life as well. We celebrate Shabbat with song, prayer and learning.  Our dynamic clergy team leads the congregation and seeks to provide a prayer experience to which each of us can connect. We invite you to join us!

Please visit our calendar of upcoming services here. 

Shabbat Evening Service (typically Friday at 8:00 pm except first Fridays) Each Friday evening, immerse yourself in Shabbat with the music and meditation of prayer and the warmth of community.  Temple Rodef Shalom offers services that sit at the intersection of tradition and modernity, presenting each the opportunity to find their own place and connection. Our services are spiritually and intellectually uplifting experiences. 

Shabbat Morning Service (typically Saturday at 10:30 am) This open and accessible service includes prayer and music for all. With the exception of the Parallel Shabbat Service (see below), young men and women who are becoming bar and bat mitzvah join our clergy in leading the congregation, reading from the Torah and giving a D’var Torah.

Special Services

Bo'i Shabbat (typically First Friday at 6:45 pm) We welcome Shabbat in this informal, one-hour adult oriented service with an emphasis on spiritual music and accessible singing.  This is the adult alternative to the Family Shabbat Evening Service.  

Family Shabbat Evening Service (typically First Friday at 7:00 pm) This warm and welcoming service is for families to celebrate Shabbat together in an informal, child-centered atmosphere.  School-aged children and their families participate through prayer and song using the Gates of Prayer for Young People.  The clergy engages families with a meaningful story.   At the Oneg following the service, join in our popular Israeli dancing session and nosh on a variety of kid-friendly goodies.

Tot Shabbat Service (typically Third Friday at 6:30 pm) For many of us, we have warm memories of experiencing Shabbat as children, and we hope to encourage similar memories in your children.  This lively service, led by one of our clergy, typically lasts around 30 minutes and is created with our preschool-aged children in mind.  Young ones and their parents are invited to join in Shabbat prayers and music, and are treated to a quick story.  An Oneg follows.

Parallel Shabbat Service and Lunch  (typically Third Saturday at 10:30 am) In Parallel to the main service with the b’nai mitzvah ceremony, this monthly alternative minyan provides an informal opportunity for members of all ages to read from the Torah, give a D’var Torah, and help lead the service – or simply pray and eat Shabbat lunch with members of our community!  One of our clergy helps lead this service as well.  Lunch is pot-luck vegetarian (just bring a dish of your choice), and all are encouraged to celebrate Shabbat in this intimate setting.  To volunteer to participate in the service, contact Kristen Gross, Clergy Assistant, email.

Shabbat Hanefesh Service of Healing (typically Fourth Friday at 6:45 pm) The soothing and spiritual music, prayer and readings will offer healing, comfort and support to anyone, and especially those struggling through challenging times.   Led by one of our clergy, this inspiring, uplifting, adapted Shabbat service lasts about 45 minutes and is open to everyone, not just those in need. 

For those who wish to stay after the service, a Sacred Circle will begin after a short break. This will be guided by a facilitator and will allow the opportunity to share personal stories and experiences for those who wish to stay. It is our hope that in sharing our personal challenges we will not only support one another but strengthen our community.

Shabbat Rocks (typically Friday at 8 pm – Monthly, watch the calendar) Shabbat Rocks is a sophisticated, contemporary musical service designed to create a new spiritual dimension of the traditional Shabbat service.  The music of our Shabbat Rocks band provides an atmosphere of participation - you will find yourself grabbing the egg shakers, dancing, and clapping in celebration of Shabbat.