services & classes
Below are a sampling of events and services that have taken place at Congregation Ner Shalom in the past few years. Please stay tuned during this transitory time for future events and services.
Dates and times for services and classes are listed on our monthly
calendar. Please contact
us if you would like to be on our email list. Also see community
announcements and JFCS programs
in the news section of our website for current Jewish events in
the area.
Women's Celebration of the New Moon
Bring your original or other poetry to share.
Come with an open heart.
Kabbalat Shabbat with Shir HaLev
 There
is an old Chassidic saying, "When you sing, you pray twice".
Shabbat Shir HaLev (Shabbat songs of the heart) is an all-music
service of song and prayer. This service is a mixture of traditional
and contemporary tunes to the Kabbalat Shabbat service. All aspects
of the service are present; Sh'Ma, Barchu, Aleinu, Amidah, Kaddish,
etc. So for most congregations, this is a "Kosher" service.
It is kid friendly, but it is not to be confused with a "family
service" which tends to play to a young crowd. This service
is an adult service, with mostly singing, and only a small amount
of explanation prior to each song/prayer. We have several musicians
who accompany the congregation in song. Prayer books with both
the musical notation and words in Hebrew and HeBlish are provided.
Of course, every one sings along and dancing is encouraged!
Kabbalah Study Group
Today we know prophecy, or divine inspiration, through intuition,
artistic creativity and humor. Newly translated writings on creation
mysticism offer keys to inner directed personal awakening. We
are reading from Daniel Matt's new translation of Zohar, our mystical
commentary on Torah, Volumne 1. (Stanford University Press.)
Also readings and inner listening meditation practices from Sefer
Yetzirah, Kabbalah of Abraham, the oldest of our mystical texts,
containing the initial depiction of the Tree of Life and The Ten
Sefirot, which are the inspirational context for the Zohar's perspective
on Torah.
Mysticism of the Quieting Sounds. Most vocal sounds wake us up
in one way or another. Two sounds call us to quiet down. Shhh,
don't tell anyone yet. They create the energetic context from
which other sounds derive their power.
Catered Family Shabbat Dinner
Share a community kid-friendly meal - open to everybody. The seder is all vegetarian, and is usually
catered by a local caterer or restaurant. Reservations required,
usually by the Tuesday prior to Shabbat. Call
or email the office for your reservation. We charge $9 at
the door. This is really a fun evening, and a wonderful chance
to converse with others and make new friends.
Torah Study - Lay Led
Bring your chumash with you to this informal gathering of friends.
We read through the weekly portion pausing at interesting points
for clarification and discussion. No preparation is necessary
although we encourage participants to bring a commentary with
them to share with the group. The session usually lasts until
noon but we have no set ending point. Snacks for kiddush after
are always welcome, dairy only.
Chanting Service
Join us for a Saturday morning service chanting prayers: Mah
Tovu, Elohai, Od Yavoh Shalom Aleinu, etc. The Torah isn't read
during this service.
|
