Religious Services
SHABBAT, THE HIGH HOLY DAYS AND FESTIVALS are joyous occasions at Temple Habonim, and we celebrate each in its own unique way.
Our services are often participatory, allowing all who attend to join in the spirit of worship. Song, which is integral to services at Temple Habonim, enhances the experience while opening the heart and filling the soul. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads our community in worship and is accompanied by Education Director/Songleader David Perolman. In addition, our Religious School students, community members and special guests enhance our services throughout the year.
Most services are streamed to our YouTube channel, for live and on-demand viewing. Click the image below to view our selection of programs:
HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
CHANUKAH is celebrated each year with a dinner, sponsored by Sisterhood. Each family attending brings their Menorot or Chanukiot so that they may light the candles together as a community. Coloring books, crayons, and small toys donated that evening are delivered in the days following to local shelters housing families in need so that children may enjoy small gifts during the holiday season.
SHABBAT SHIRA is a service organized by Sisterhood and led by our sisters in honor of Miriam, with readings of poetry, prose and “songs of the sea.”
PURIM observance is a favorite for members of all ages. Purim offers the reading of the Megillah, followed by a Schpiel complete with ruckus, groggers, and many cries of “BOO” at the name of you-know-who. The Schpiel is a wonderful intergenerational event that partners members of all ages in a creative expression. A Purim Carnival with games and festivities (and hamentashen!) for all is held each year during Religious School.
PASSOVER brings the celebration of the Second Night Seder at Temple Habonim as members join together for a community seder. Sisterhood organizes this annual evening where the story of Exodus is retold in traditional fashion.
SHAVUOT brings with it the celebration of the completion of our tenth graders' formal Jewish education with their Confirmation, a moving service led by our Confirmands.
YIZKOR AND KADDISH
YIZKOR SERVICES AND SAYING KADDISH offer our members an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed from this life.
YIZKOR is the memorial service recited four times a year by the congregation during these Jewish holiday services:
Yom Kippur afternoon
Sukkot
Passover
Shavuot
KADDISH is recited each Shabbat. Names of loved ones connected to our community who have died in the past month are read as are the names of those whose Yahrzeit (anniversary of a loved ones death) is being observed at that service. Our Temple office maintains a list of all Yahrzeits that have been shared with Temple Habonim. Reminder letters are sent to members observing an upcoming Yahrzeit so they may be sure to be present if they so desire. Please contact our Temple Administrator with any updated information on a Yahrzeit so that our files may be kept current.
Memorial plaques placed on our Sanctuary walls are a meaningful way to remember a loved one.
Do you have a Shehecheyanu, Mi Shebeirach or Yahrzeit to share with us for Erev Shabbat Services? Let us know by 1 PM, Friday
RESOURCES
Erev Shabbat (Fri) Service Pamphlet
Shabbat Morning (Sat, per schedule) Service Pamphlet