Worship (Avodah) in the Falmouth Jewish Congregation reflects our desire to create a variety of opportunities for spiritual seeking and fulfillment. Our services, which are led by Rabbi Elias Lieberman, embrace lively music, poetry,Torah,  and dialogue. For Shabbat and Festival services, our congregation uses Mishkan T’filah, the Reform movement’s most recent siddur (prayerbook), an engaging and user-friendly worship tool. You do not need to be familiar with Hebrew to have a fulfilling experience. Most services are led with guitar and, regularly, with a musical ensemble. Congregational singing is greatly encouraged.

In our congregation worship is a primary means for the community to maintain and deepen important connections. We are always eager to welcome visitors and newcomers to our community. We also encourage family worship at all of our services and, for the sake of little ones, provide books and toys just outside our worship space.

OUR WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Shabbat worship is held every Friday night, on the first Saturday  morning of each month, and on special occasions. On a monthly basis our Shabbat services follow this pattern:

 

Friday Evenings: Torah is read at most, but not all Friday evening services.

First Friday / 7:00 P.M.: Family Service – a one hour family-friendly service that is also enjoyed by many young-at-heart adults. An Oneg Shabbat follows.

Second Friday / 7:30 P.M.: Regular Shabbat Service, lasting approximately 75 minutes, followed by an Oneg Shabbat.

Third Friday / 5:15 – 6:00 P.M. Wine, juice, and cheese reception / 6:00 P.M. Kabbalat Shabbat: a one hour service filled with music.

Fourth Friday / 7:30 P.M. Regular Shabbat Service. lasting approximately 75-90 minutes, with occasional musical or educational programming. An Oneg Shabbat follows.

Fifth Friday (when applicable) /5:15 – 6:00 P.M. Wine, juice, and cheese reception / 6:00 P.M. Kabbalat Shabbat: a one hour service filled with music.

 

Saturday Mornings

First Saturday of the month / 10:00 A.M. The service lasts two hours and includes Torah reading.

Other Saturdays, as scheduled for b’nei mitzvah celebrations (all are welcome; you need not be invited) and other special occasions / 10:00 A.M. – A two hour service followed by a Kiddush, to which all are invited.

Every Saturday morning: Torah study (see Lifelong Learning for a description). For schedule, see calendar.

 

HOLY DAYS

From the joy of Purim and Simchat Torah to our congregational Pesach seder, we move through the Jewish year marking and celebrating Jewish sacred time. Consult the calendar as holidays approach for a schedule of congregational observances, both worship and programs.

 

 

High Holy Days

High Holy Day worship requires tickets, which are provided to members. If you are not a member and would like to explore the possibility of worshiping with us, please contact the temple office. Courtesy tickets are extended to full-time students in the area, as well as active-duty service personnel and their families. On the afternoons of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we hold family services, which are open to the public and do not require tickets. Our Tashlich (“casting”) ceremony on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah is held at an area beach and is a highlight of our High Holy Day worship. Non-members are welcome to join us.

LOCATIONS

We enjoy two wonderful worship spaces, the historic East End Meeting House, built in 1797, and Goode Chapel in our Community Center building. Both buildings are handicap accessible, although the Meeting House does not, at this time, offer handicap-accessible restrooms. Please consult the calendar to determine where services are being held.