Shabbat Services

[Information is Pre/Post-COVID19. For current services, times and access, see our Services page]

“Six days a week we wrestle with the world…on Shabbat we especially care for the seed of eternity planted in our soul.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel

Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming the Shabbat) – At CSI we welcome the Shabbat with beautiful melodies and inspiring prayers. Our regular services meet at 6 PM (November – March) and 6:30 PM (April – October). When the weather cooperates, we hold Kabbalat Shabbat services in the main sanctuary with the glass walls completely open, allowing the descending sun to provide for a beautiful and holy atmosphere. All of our Kabbalat Shabbat services last about an hour. Please check the calendar for the schedule of special services and service times.

Shabbat Morning – Saturday mornings at 9:30 AM.  Although traditional Jewish liturgy requires three services per day — morning, afternoon, and evening — the Shabbat Morning Service is considered by many to be the main service of the week. Somewhat longer than the other services of the week, the Shabbat Morning Service at CSI is egalitarian and traditional. We focus on a prayer experience enhanced by congregational singing and participation. Members read Torah and also have the opportunities to lead services and give Divrei Torah.

Our Siddur and Chumash – We use the most up-to-date siddur published by the Conservative Movement. Siddur Lev Shalem reflects the Conservative Movement’s traditions with both traditions and innovation. The English translation attempts to simultaneously portray the meaning of the Hebrew and provide a spiritual experience for those who pray in the English.

Transliterated Prayer Books – For those who have not yet learned Hebrew (or whose Hebrew is rusty), CSI has a number of prayer books with transliterated pages inter-leafed. they are found on the siddur cart in the sanctuary.

Sim Shalom for Weekdays – Our weekday minyan uses the red-covered Sim Shalom for Weekdays.

Chumash Etz Chayim – In 2001, the Conservative Movement produced a new Chumash (Torah/Haftarah translation and commentary). It reflects the Conservative Movement’s understanding of Torah and tradition. The commentary incorporates both traditional exegesis and modern insights and sensitivities.