Tefillah - Gate of PrayerPrayer at Sha'ar is musical. It is also egalitarian, participatory, friendly, and informal. We follow a traditional liturgy using a Siddur produced by the Conservative movement. Generally, each month we hold two Shabbat morning services and one Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service or a family Oneg Shabbat. We also gather for festivals and other sacred days such as Yom Hashoah and Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Holocaust Memorial Day and Israel Independence Day. For a schedule of upcoming services, please contact us or consult the calendar on the homepage. Building on the idea that learning is also a form of prayer, our services are characterized by planned and spontaneous discussions, explanation, and commentaries, by leaders and participants alike. By combining progressive thought with timeless tradition, our tefillah inspires both spiritual and intellectual growth. Music is an important means by which we express and explore our connections to the liturgy, both its form and content. Drawn from Jewish, Israeli, and other cultural influences, and played by our talented guitarist, Dan Nadel (www.nadelmusic.com), our music engages our senses and energizes our prayer. Sha'ar tefillah welcomes all. Those with prayer experience and Hebrew facility, those without, and those in between will find their place through this gate. Of course, children are welcome in our services. Creating opportunities for participation at all ages and at all levels of knowledge and comfort is a pillar of Sha'ar tefillah. Rabbi Dini Lewittes and Lisa Kasdan on vocals and Dan Nadel on guitar have created another Sha'ar Shirah (Gate of Song) album recorded and mixed by David Abrams. The album is filled with music for the High Holy Days and some of our regular favorites such as Oseh Shalom, Lu Yehi and B'sheym Hashem. To listen to the tracks or to download onto a cd, mp3 player or iPod, log onto: http://soundcloud.com/david-a-2/sets/music-for-high-holy-days We hope these melodies help prepare you for the High Holy Days -- both for the services and for your own spiritual reflection. Our huge thanks to Lisa, Dan and David for their time and efforts and their incredible talents. High Holy Days Schedule of Services 2011Rosh Hashanah: Thursday, September 29th, Shacharit/Morning service: 9:30am Friday, September 30th, Shacharit/Morning service: 9:30am Yom Kippur: Friday October 7th, Kol Nidre Services, 6:00 pm Saturday, October 8th, Shacharit/Morning service: 9:30am
Membership fees for the Gate of Prayer 2011-2012 are as follows: Ticket prices (inclusive of all Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services) for returning visitors to our community over the High Holy Days are as follows: Individuals tickets for one day of Rosh Hashanah or for Yom Kippur only: $100 No one will be turned away who is unable to meet these fees. Please contact me to arrange for a confidential payment plan. As always, individuals or families who are able to give above and beyond these amounts will be making much-needed contributions to our budget. For tax purposes, letters of acknowledgement will be generated for amounts above membership or tickets fees. Please give generously! Schedule of ServicesSeptember 2011
Friday night service - September 16 October 2011
Yom Kippur - October 8 November 2011
Saturday morning - November 5 December 2011
Friday night - December 2 January 2012
Friday night - January 6 February 2012
Friday night - February 3 March 2012
Friday night - March 16 April 2012
Saturday morning - April 14 May 2012
Friday night - May 4 June 2012
Friday night - June 1 All services begin at 7:30pm - Watch email announcements for location |
