SHABBAT SERVICES
We welcome you to join us for a robust calendar of worship, learning, celebration, and programming in person.
Our worship reflects and respects the diversity of practice that exists in both current and historic expressions of Jewish religious life. We value the variety of backgrounds from which our members come, and the diversity of practice that is part of their day-to-day lives. Our worship services attempt to welcome and engage the newcomer and old-timer and everyone in between.
Our egalitarian worship services, led by our clergy team, are conducted in both Hebrew and English; transliterations are part of our prayerbook. Our worship is inclusive, participatory, musical and uplifting. Visitors commonly say that they hope to join us again for worship.
Erev Shabbat Services
Friday Evenings, 6:30 pm
Our Friday evening Shabbat services, led by our Rabbi, Associate Rabbi, Cantor, Rabbinic Intern, and Cantorial Intern begin at 6:30 pm in the simple beauty of our Jerusalem stone and pear-wood Sanctuary.
Every Friday evening at BHS Erev Shabbat Services prior to chanting the Aleinu - we sing a version of the Mi Shebeirach for Refuah - the Prayer for emotional and/or physical Healing. The service leader reads the names of people whose loved ones want them called to mind during this powerful prayer.
Shir Shabbat with Simcha Blessings
Share your joys (birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, graduations, new jobs) with the community on the third Friday of most months. Cantor Porzecanski, the BHS choir and the BHS Band lead a joyful musical service. Check the Shulcloud calendar for dates. If you are interested in joining either of these volunteer ensembles, please contact Cantor Porzecanski.
Shabbat B'Yachad (together)
Each first Friday of the month from November through May we hold Shabbat B’Yachad services. These family Shabbat services are led by our students from each grade level. All families are welcome to join with children and family members of all ages. Prior to services families have the opportunity to share an informal meal together.
The Other Friday Night (TOFN)
Fourth Fridays, 6:45 pm
The Other Friday Night is a Shabbat experience and community sponsored by Brooklyn Heights Synagogue geared towards Jews, ages 20s-40s, their non-Jewish partners, and those exploring Judaism. TOFN typically meets on the 4th Friday of every month and includes "Shabbat Schmoozing" with light food and drinks at 6:45 pm followed by a meditative Kabbalat Shabbat service at 7:30 pm led by our Associate Rabbi Bailey Romano and local musicians. We also gather for Shabbat dinner, board games, Havdalah, and park gatherings throughout the year! If you'd like to learn more about TOFN or how you can get involved, please e-mail Rabbi Romano at rabbiromano@bhsbrooklyn.org
Chavurah (Torah Study)
Saturday Mornings, 9:30 am
Shabbat morning Chavurah is led by the Rabbi, Associate Rabbi, and Cantor or one of several local rabbis. A brief prayer service is followed by an extended and spirited discussion of the weekly Torah portion. Coffee, juice, bagels and pastries are served.
The discussion during Chavurah spans from the scholarly, such as the way a word is written in the plural when it should be singular, to a rabbinic commentator's thoughts. Topics also include politics, including the connection of ancient texts to contemporary political events as well as our personal experiences with the parasha's theme.
The weekly Torah portion (parasha) is read in English, paragraph by paragraph, with many pauses for discussion. Everyone present is welcome to contribute questions, ideas, reflections, concerns. Discussion is varied and is driven entirely by those present. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie with everyone learning from Torah, and from each other.
Shabbat Morning Services
Saturday Mornings, 10:30 am
On many Saturday mornings from September through June, we celebrate the coming of age of a B'Mitzvah, at Shabbat morning services, at 10:30 am, including Torah reading in our Sanctuary.
Tot Shabbat
First Saturdays, 9:30 am (during the school year)
Join Mandy Sigale for a fun-filled hour of song, prayer, storytelling, and noshing. For 0-5 year olds and their families. Concludes by 10:30 am with a kiddush of grape juice and challah.
Welcoming Shabbat
Friday Mornings, 11:00 am (during the school year)
This is a free weekly drop-in program. Children of all ages, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and friends are all invited to come together for this sing-along Shabbat led by Rabbi Serge Lippe! Sing Shabbat songs, say the Blessings, and share a special kiddush of grape juice and challah together.
