“More than Israel has kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept Israel.” (Achad Ha’am)
Shabbat at Temple Sinai: The observance of Shabbat at Temple Sinai is a central focus of our congregational life. We strive to offer our members a variety of worship experiences and Shabbat programs. All of our members are welcome to attend any and all of the services listed below to sample the different ways in which we make the Shabbat experience part of our weekly lives together.
Evening Shabbat Services: Services are held each Friday evening usually at 8:15 PM. Services may include sermons, teaching sessions, or special guest speakers. Services are followed each week by an oneg Shabbat, where members of the congregation can mingle informally and enjoy the Shabbat spirit together. Generally, on the third Shabbat of each month, the service includes the participation of our students, and begins at 7:30 PM. These are special opportunities to worship with our next generation. During July and August (and on most three-day holiday weekends), our Shabbat evening service begins at 6:30 PM.
Tot Shabbat: A special service and dinner is usually held on the first Shabbat evening of each month, for families with infants through pre-school age children. A special age-appropriate service is held at 6:00 PM, followed by a participatory dinner for which RESERVATIONS are required. (For reservations, please email your reservation, or call the Reservation Line at 202-363-6394, ext. 3.
Shalom Shabbat: On the second Shabbat evening of each month, we welcome families with children in grades K-3 for Shalom Shabbat. A 6:00 PM service using Gates of Prayer for Young People (in some months conducted by a 3rd grade class) is followed by a participatory dinner. RESERVATIONS are required for the dinner. (For reservations, please email your reservation, or call the Reservation Line at 202-363-6394, ext. 3.
Kehillat Shabbat (Lay-Led Community Service): All ages are welcome to join in this warm and celebratory Shabbat morning service. This informal service, led by members of the congregation with assistance from our Cantorial Soloist, Robyn Helzner, includes a Torah reading and often incorporates discussion of the Torah portion or Haftarah, or a more formal d’var Torah. The service is a great way to become part of the Temple community in a more intimate setting. We welcome families with children, senior members of the congregation and everyone in between. We gather on the first Shabbat of each month , at 10:30 AM in the Bet Am. We love to have volunteers read or chant Torah or Haftarah, or prepare a d’var Torah. For more or to volunteer, contact Tom Plotz (<-email or 301.654.2788).
Simchat Shabbat (Family Shabbat Morning Service): Led by our Cantorial Soloist, Robyn Helzner, the Family Shabbat Morning Service is informal, participatory, and lots of fun. Specifically designed for families and children, this Saturday morning service features songs, prayers, and a story. Everyone can get "up close and personal" with the Torah during the brief Torah reading. Pot luck Onegs follow this one-hour service which is held on the third Shabbat morning of each month, at 10:00 AM in the Bet Am. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Robyn Helzner (<-email or 202.363.6394).
Shabbat Morning Torah Study: A wonderful educational opportunity awaits all who attend weekly Torah Study on Saturday mornings, beginning at 9:15 AM in the Temple Library. The classes, led by our clergy, focus on the Torah reading for the week. The study is followed at 10:30 AM by a morning Shabbat Service in the Library, led by members of the group or by clergy if there is no Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Shabbat Morning Service: On those Shabbat mornings when we celebrate B'nai Mitzvah, a congregational service is held at 10:30 AM (in addition to the service immediately following Torah Study). All our members are invited to attend, along with the families and guests of those celebrating their children’s assumption of adult Jewish responsibilities.
Shabbat Mincha Service: Shabbat Mincha (afternoon) services are held on those Saturday afternoons (5:30 PM) when B'nai Mitzvah services are scheduled. Again, the entire congregation is welcome to attend and to share in the joy of the occasion.
High Holy Days: Information regarding the High Holy Days and ticket reservations is provided to congregants by mail each year. For more, see our Newletters and HHD Sermons & Information.
