At The Synagogue
Informative Articles & Videos
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A Detailed Lecture About the Torah Reading Service & Aliyot
In this 30 minute video lecture from Chabad.org, Rabbi Menachem Posner provides a clear explanation of the entire Torah Reading
An Introduction to the “Mi Sheberach” Prayer
This introductory article from Chabad.org explains the Mi Sheberach prayer recited during the Torah reading and provides the Hebrew and English
What is So Special About the Aliyahs?
With references to halachic and Kabbalistic sources, this brief article from Chabad.org explains why being called up to the Torah
What is an Aliyah and How Can You Participate?
Perfect for beginners, this clear article from Chabad.org explains the origins behind being called up to the Torah, as well as
Welcoming the Bride: Exploring the Songs of Kabbalat Shabbat
This link will take you to a six-part online audio course exploring the meaning behind the songs of Kabbalat Shabbat.
The Hadar Institute: The Content, Meaning and Music of Lecha Dodi
This link will take you to a three-part online audio course exploring the content, meaning, and music of Lecha Dodi,
Aliyah 101: What You Should Know Before Being Called to the Torah
Perfect for beginners, this comprehensive article by Ronald L. Eisenberg explains everything you need to know about the ritual of getting called
The Structure & Mystical Meaning of Kabbalat Shabbat
This post presents two approximately 4 minute long videos by Rabbi David Paskin introducing the basic structure and meaning behind
L’cha Dodi and the Kabbalist Background to Kabbalat Shabbat: A Collection of Articles
This link will take you to a collection of articles exploring the Kabbalistic background to the Kabbalat Shabbat service, with
The Structure and Spirit of the Kabbalat Shabbat Service
This brief article from Chabad.org describes the structure of the Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv even prayer services on Shabbat. With
The King and Queen in the Field: Reimagining a God Metaphor in Elul (Article & Poem)
The article and poem by Alden Solovy explore two traditional metaphors of God – the harsh King often seen throughout Bible,
Guide to the Friday Night Synagogue Services
Great for beginners, this brief excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik offers an explanation of the structure and meaning
Introduction to the Kabbalat Shabbat Prayer Service
This introductory article describes the origins and structure of the Kabbalat Shabbat services, noting various customs practiced in different communities.
Welcoming the Sabbath with Kabbalat Shabbat, Lecha Dodi and Ma’ariv
This introductory article by George Robinson outlines the basic structure of the Kabbalat Shabbat and evening prayer service, including an explanation
K’Gavna: A Kabbalistic Reading Following Kabbalat Shabbat
This post presents the Nusach Ha’Ari and Nusach Sefard tradition of reciting a passage from the Zohar called K’Gavna between
The Kabbalat Shabbat Experience Siddur: Guide, Text & Articles
This post presents a well-formatted, printable PDF booklet of the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service with the Hebrew, English and
Ana B’Ko’ach: A Musical Kabbalistic Meditation with On-Screen Text
This 6:26 minute long video produced by The Kabbalah Center provides deep mystical meditations based on the Kabbalistic secrets hidden within
Yedid Nefesh: Introduction & Audio
This post provides a brief introduction to the liturgical poem “Yedid Nefesh,” often sung by Ashkenazi congregations between the afternoon
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Customs
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A Reform Prayer for Kislev & Hannukah
This link opens up the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of a prayer that can be read from the beginning of the
Reform Blessings Before & After the Reading of the Haftarah
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings recited before and after the reading of the
Hebrew Coming-of-Age Misheberakh Prayers
This post presents the Hebrew texts of four different coming-of-age Mi Sheberach prayers: traditional Bar Mitzvah, traditional Bat Mitzvah, 80
Misheberakh Prayer for a Bat Mitzvah Girl
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the Mi Sheberach prayer for a Bat Mitzvah girl to
The “Mi Sheberach” Prayer for One Who Has an Aliyah
This post provides the Hebrew and English texts for the prayer recited for one who is called up to the Torah
Traditional Blessings Before & After Torah Reading
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading when called
Reconstructionist Blessings Before & After Torah Reading with Feminine God-Language
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of a the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading when
Siddur Livnat HaSapir for Welcoming Shabbat: A Personal Prayerbook by Aharon Varady
This link opens up a digitized version of Siddur Livnat HaSapir for Welcoming Shabbat, a complete Friday night prayerbook compiled by Aharon
Nusach Edot Hamizrach Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text)
This post presents the entire Edot Hamizrach Kabbalat Shabbat service in Hebrew, including the Song of Songs, which is traditionally
Orthodox Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat & Ma’ariv (Hebrew, English, Transliteration)
This post presents a well-formatted, printable PDF booklet of the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv evening prayer service with
Bameh Madlikin: Hebrew Text of Mishnah Recited on Friday Nights
In many Orthodox congregations (both Ashkenazi and Sephardic,) the second chapter of the Mishnah Tractate Shabbat is recited on Friday
Yemenite Recitation of the Song of Songs
This 27 minute long audio recording presents the entire Song of Songs chanted according to Yemenite custom and pronunciation. One
Reform Kabbalat Shabbat Service
This link opens up the 2003 version of the UC-Berkeley Siddur for Shabbat. The Kabbalat Shabbat service (pages 1-19) includes some of
Humanistic Kabbalat Shabbat Service
This link opens up a Humanistic Kabbalat Shabbat Service (pages 4-17), which includes a selection of poems, prayers and songs in
Conservative Kabbalat Shabbat & Ma’ariv (Transliteration)
This 20 page PDF document contains an English transliteration of the entire evening service on Shabbat, including Kabbalat Shabbat, Ma’ariv,
Reconstructionist Kabbalat Shabbat (Hebrew & English)
This link will open up a digitized version of “The Sabbath Prayer Book,” the first Reconstructionist siddur to have entered the
Renewal Kabbalat Shabbat Service
This excerpt from “Shabbat: A personal guide to the spiritual observance of Shabbat” presents the Kabbalat Shabbat service of the Beyt
Secular/ Humanist Kabbalat Shabbat Service
This Secular/Humanist Shabbat Service presents poems and prayers for Kabbalat Shabbat on pages 6-10. This section includes translations and transliterations of Hebrew/Yiddish
Orthodox Kabbalistic Kabbalat Shabbat (Hebrew, English, Transliteration)
This 63 page PDF document contains the entire evening service on Shabbat, including Kabbalat Shabbat, Ma’ariv, and some additional prayers.
Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each
Reconstructionist Kabbalat Shabbat Melodies
Click this link to hear different versions of songs from Kabbalat Shabbat, recorded by Bnai Keshet, a vibrant Reconstructionist congregation in
Spanish & Portuguese Kabbalat Shabbat Melodies
Click this link to hear songs from the Kabbalat Shabbat services of the Spanish & Portuguese Jews’ Congregation of London. This website
Syrian Song of Songs and Kabbalat Shabbat (Audio)
This post includes two audio recordings representing the Syrian custom and musical style, sung by Hazzan Faraj Samra. The first
Cantor Shira Lissek’s Conservative Musical Kabbalat Shabbat
This hour long video features Cantor Shira Lissek leading the entire Kabbalat Shabbat service with musical accompaniment. Shira Lissek is the
Kippalive: A Capella Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat
This 9 and a half minute long video features the Israeli male a Capella group, Kippalive, singing harmonic versions of many of
Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text & Audio)
This link will direct you to the full Hebrew text of the Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat service along with a 27
Nusach Sefard-Jerusalem Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text & Audio)
This link will direct you to the full Hebrew text of the Kabbalat Service according to the Sefard, Jerusalem tradition,
Reconstructionist Blessings Before & After Torah Reading & the Concept of Chosenness
This short video demonstrates how to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading according to the Reconstructionist tradition,
Learn the Blessings Before & After Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”
These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading, when called up for an
Conservative Kabbalat Shabbat Service Guide
This post presents the Guide and Transliteration for Friday Evening Services from the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/ Congregation Bnai Israel, a Conservative
K’Gavna: A Kabbalistic Reading Following Kabbalat Shabbat
This post presents the Nusach Ha’Ari and Nusach Sefard tradition of reciting a passage from the Zohar called K’Gavna between
The Kabbalat Shabbat Experience Siddur: Guide, Text & Articles
This post presents a well-formatted, printable PDF booklet of the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service with the Hebrew, English and
Traditional Practices - Learn How
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Learn the Blessing Before Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”
This video demonstrates the singing of the blessing one recites upon being called up to the Torah for an aliyah during Torah
What To Expect At Synagogue Services on Saturday Morning
This informative article by Conservative Rabbi Daniel Kohn provides a guide for bar/bat mitzvah guests and other newcomers to Shabbat worship services, including explanations
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: How To Have an Aliyah
This short video from Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks demonstrates what to do and say when being called up to the Torah for
Reconstructionist Blessings Before & After Torah Reading & the Concept of Chosenness
This short video demonstrates how to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading according to the Reconstructionist tradition,
Learn the Blessings Before & After Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”
These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading, when called up for an
Learn to Chant the Blessings for the Aliyah
This interactive online tool from Chabad.org allows you to learn to recite the traditional blessings before and after the Torah
How to Have an Aliyah
In this 4 minute long instructional video from MyJewishLearning.com, Rabbi Steven Exler explains and demonstrates what to do and say
Conservative Kabbalat Shabbat Service Guide
This post presents the Guide and Transliteration for Friday Evening Services from the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/ Congregation Bnai Israel, a Conservative
Let’s Learn T’fillah: L’cha Dodi
This short animated video from Rabbi David Paskin slowly demonstrates how to sing the chorus and the first two and last
Reform Kabbalat Shabbat Service Guide
This short Kabbalat Shabbat Guide from Temple Chai provides a list of all of the prayers and songs that make up the
Learn How to Sing the Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat Service
This 16 minute long video by Rabbi Eli Garfinkel demonstrates how to sing the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service, with Hebrew, English
What to Expect at a Reform Shabbat Service
This article by Rabbi Wendi Geffen answers basic questions about the evening and morning Shabbat services in Reform Congregations, such
An Introduction to the “Mi Sheberach” Prayer
This introductory article from Chabad.org explains the Mi Sheberach prayer recited during the Torah reading and provides the Hebrew and English
What is an Aliyah and How Can You Participate?
Perfect for beginners, this clear article from Chabad.org explains the origins behind being called up to the Torah, as well as
Aliyah 101: What You Should Know Before Being Called to the Torah
Perfect for beginners, this comprehensive article by Ronald L. Eisenberg explains everything you need to know about the ritual of getting called
Guide to the Friday Night Synagogue Services
Great for beginners, this brief excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik offers an explanation of the structure and meaning
The Kabbalat Shabbat Experience Siddur: Guide, Text & Articles
This post presents a well-formatted, printable PDF booklet of the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service with the Hebrew, English and
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Music
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Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each
Reconstructionist Kabbalat Shabbat Melodies
Click this link to hear different versions of songs from Kabbalat Shabbat, recorded by Bnai Keshet, a vibrant Reconstructionist congregation in
Spanish & Portuguese Kabbalat Shabbat Melodies
Click this link to hear songs from the Kabbalat Shabbat services of the Spanish & Portuguese Jews’ Congregation of London. This website
The Nava Tehila Ensemble: Dancing in the Glory – A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat
This post features the first song from Nava Tehila Ensemble’s album, “Dancing in the Glory: A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat,”
Syrian Song of Songs and Kabbalat Shabbat (Audio)
This post includes two audio recordings representing the Syrian custom and musical style, sung by Hazzan Faraj Samra. The first
Cantor Shira Lissek’s Conservative Musical Kabbalat Shabbat
This hour long video features Cantor Shira Lissek leading the entire Kabbalat Shabbat service with musical accompaniment. Shira Lissek is the
Kippalive: A Capella Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat
This 9 and a half minute long video features the Israeli male a Capella group, Kippalive, singing harmonic versions of many of
Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text & Audio)
This link will direct you to the full Hebrew text of the Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat service along with a 27
Nusach Sefard-Jerusalem Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text & Audio)
This link will direct you to the full Hebrew text of the Kabbalat Service according to the Sefard, Jerusalem tradition,
Rabbi Menachem Creditor: An Original Melody for Yedid Nefesh
This 4 minute long home video presents an original tune for Yedid Nefesh, composed and performed by Rabbi Menachem Creditor,
Yigal Bashan: Likrat Shabbat (Hebrew)
This song, written by Avi Koren and performed by Yigal Bashan, is an Israeli classic describing the atmosphere of a traditional
Ethiopian Melody for Lecha Dodi on the Tel Aviv Port
This 5 minute long video presents an upbeat traditional Ethiopian melody for Lecha Dodi, the central song of the Kabbalat
The Sabbath Queen: A Poem by Hayim Nahman Bialik
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of “Sabbath Queen,” a poem by Israel’s national poet, Hayim Nahman
The Hadar Institute: The Content, Meaning and Music of Lecha Dodi
This link will take you to a three-part online audio course exploring the content, meaning, and music of Lecha Dodi,
K’Gavna: A Kabbalistic Reading Following Kabbalat Shabbat
This post presents the Nusach Ha’Ari and Nusach Sefard tradition of reciting a passage from the Zohar called K’Gavna between
Ana B’Ko’ach: A Musical Kabbalistic Meditation with On-Screen Text
This 6:26 minute long video produced by The Kabbalah Center provides deep mystical meditations based on the Kabbalistic secrets hidden within
Yedid Nefesh: Introduction & Audio
This post provides a brief introduction to the liturgical poem “Yedid Nefesh,” often sung by Ashkenazi congregations between the afternoon
What else?
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The First American Bat Mitzvah: A Personal Account
In this article, Judith Kaplan Eisenstein shares a personal account of her Bat Mitzvah, the first Bat Mitzvah ceremony celebrated in
Reconstructionist Torah Reading Blessings in ASL
In this video, Rabbis Darby Leigh and Roni Handler demonstrate how to sing and sign the Reconstructionist version of the blessing before
A Woman Describes Her First Aliyah to the Torah
In this personal article, Lauren Hamburger relays her first experience of being called up to the Torah for an aliyah,
A Prayer Before One’s Aliyah to the Torah
This post presents an original prayer which was written by Rabbi Jill Hammer to be recited by an individual or
Aliyah to the Torah vs. Aliyah to Israel
In this post from Chabad.org, Rabbi Yossi Lew explains why the term “aliyah” is used to describe both being called
Attend Reform Shabbat Services Online
This link takes you to the official website of the Reform movement, where you can view live streams and recorded
A Kabbalat Shabbat Poem About Transitions
This poem by Rabbi Annie Lewis explores the cyclical, evolving nature of the physical world and human beings, focusing on the transition into
A Kabbalat Shabbat Poem About the Stillness of Evening
This poem by Ruth F. Brin describes the stillness and silence of the transition into evening, as reflected in the physical world, human
The Sabbath Queen: A Poem by Hayim Nahman Bialik
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of “Sabbath Queen,” a poem by Israel’s national poet, Hayim Nahman
Rituals for Turning Off Devices Before Shabbat
This post by Elana Bell presents a short blessing and a list of actions to add spiritual intention to the
An Illustrated Kabbalat Shabbat Siddur
This link opens up “An Illustrated Kabbalat Shabbat Siddur with Drawings by Daniel Nebenzahl,” a Hebrew siddur for adults full
Art in Motion: The Ana B’Koach Prayer Video
This 3:39 minute long video presents David Asher Brook’s award winning artistic representation of the mystical Ana B’Koach prayer. The artist
Reb Zalman’s Shabbat Afirmations
The following prayer comes from the “Siddur Tehillat HaShem Yidaber Pi — Sabbath Evening Supplement” by Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi,
The King and Queen in the Field: Reimagining a God Metaphor in Elul (Article & Poem)
The article and poem by Alden Solovy explore two traditional metaphors of God – the harsh King often seen throughout Bible,
Ana B’Ko’ach: A Musical Kabbalistic Meditation with On-Screen Text
This 6:26 minute long video produced by The Kabbalah Center provides deep mystical meditations based on the Kabbalistic secrets hidden within