Shabbat Services and Programs

Friday Evening Shabbat Services

Join us for Shabbat evening services, held every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. except for the first Friday of each month:

"First Friday at 6":  An Intergenerational Musical Shabbat Service and Potluck 

We celebrate the first Friday each month with a one-hour, intergenerational, family-friendly musical service for all ages at 6 pm, followed by a communal Shabbat potluck dinner.

Second Friday: "Shabbat Unplugged" Acoustic Service

On the second Friday of each month at 6:30 pm, Hazzan Ayelet leads "Shabbat Unplugged," an intimate and musically acoustic celebration of Shabbat; the long exhale at the end of the week.

Third Friday:  "Shirat HaLev" (Song of the Heart) Service

On the third Friday evening of each month, we gather for a special contemplative, musical celebration of Shabbat featuring seating in the round, percussion accompaniment, and very spirited communal singing of the Shabbat prayers and blessings. Shirat HaLev is a wonderful way to release the stresses of another New York City week, and connect with one’s self and the West End Synagogue community.

Fourth Friday:  "Yedid Nefesh" Meditative Service

On the fourth Friday of each month at 6:30 pm, Rabbi Marc  leads "Yedid Nefesh" (Companion of the Soul), a contemplative service for Shabbat evening consisting largely of guided silent meditation, interspersed with chanting and a short teaching. While the basic liturgy will be followed, this one-hour service essentially will be quieter and more reflective in nature. No prior meditation experience is necessary or assumed.

Shabbat morning Torah Study
led by Rabbi Marc Margolius

Each Saturday morning from 9-10 a.m., Rabbi Margolius facilitates a group exploration of the weekly Torah portion, incorporating traditional rabbinic, Hasidic, and contemporary interpretations, as well as the insights of participants. We seek to discover points of resonance between our lives and the Torah narrative, and lessons which might guide us in our daily lives and inform our efforts to repair the world. All are welcome; no prior background or knowledge required.

Shabbat Morning Services

Shabbat morning services begin each Saturday morning at 10 a.m., following Torah study (see above). They include contemporary English readings and poems, explanations and suggested kavanot (intentions) for aspects of the service, and a sermon and discussion on the weekly Torah portion. Services are followed by a full congregational Kiddush luncheon at 12:30 p.m. for socializing and camaraderie. All are welcome to drop in for all or part of the service or Kiddush luncheon.  (Free childcare is offered each Shabbat morning from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

HaMatmid Tanakh Shabbat Afternoon Bible Study

On the first and third Shabbat afternoons of each month, West End members meet at 1:30 p.m. to explore the books of the Hebrew Bible (the Tanakh).  No prior background is necessary, and all are welcome.

Shabbat Afternoon Meditation and Havdalah Program 

On periodic Shabbat afternoons, we offer Jewish mindfulness meditation, followed by Havdalah to usher out Shabbat, light refreshments, and a musical program. Varying programs will be announced each month.

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