Shabbat Evening

A sweet and joyful gathering for Shabbat prayers, blessings and music. When services are held in our building, our HCS band, Fiddlers on the Riff, accompanies our rabbi as she leads the service.

Shabbat Morning

Our services, led by our rabbi and cantor, are informal and grounded in the traditional service structure , using the Reconstructionist prayer book. Services are largely in Hebrew with English readings, poems and teachings woven in. Often we include a short meditation or an opportunity for congregants to share things they are grateful for.

We love to sing together and we encourage participation, as well as lay leadership in many aspects of the service.

Explore online resources for lay leaders

Understanding Torah and its connection to our lives is very important to us. At the close of services, there is a lively “Lunch and Learn” discussion group focusing on the day’s Torah portion.

Family-Friendly Services

A gentle and joyful introduction to the Shabbat morning service suitable for families, held once a month (see calendar).

HIGH HOLY DAYS

High Holy Days are a time for the spiritual work of teshuva – returning to our best selves. Our tone is meditative and contemplative. Recognizing the diversity of backgrounds and tastes, we offer two styles of services:

Traditional High Holy Day Services

Services are largely in Hebrew with traditional nusach (musical style) and the Reconstructionist machzor is used. Congregants participate actively in many ways, including singing along, chanting Torah and Haftarah and leading English readings.

Essence of Rosh Hashanah Service

For the first time in 5781/2020 we offered a one-hour, innovative, joyful and contemplative Jewish Renewal style Essence of Rosh Hashanah Service. In these uncertain times, we will draw on the resilience and wisdom of our ancestors and the power of communal and heartfelt prayer in order to shift our lot from harshness to healing, from difference and divide to a harmonious and sustainable future for all.

Family Services

Family-friendly services are offered on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

FESTIVALS AND YIZKOR

We hold Evening Festival services that include Yizkor. For festivals that fall on Shabbat, we include Yizkor in the Shabbat/Festival morning service. We also hold an extremely popular, festive Chanukah celebration, including dinner prepared by our Sisterhood, and a fun Purim megillah reading, complete with costumes. Our Yom Hashoah and Tisha B’av commemorations are solemn and moving.