Occasionally we supplement those services with a more English-oriented Saturday morning service, based on the old Union Prayer Book, which was the template for Reform worship for many decades. The lay-led Alternative Shabbat Service uses its own prayerbook, which was developed by our congregants (see below).
We worship from Gates of Repentance during the High Holy Days. For other festival practices and customs, see our Holidays Page.
Kippot and tallitot are available for all who wish to wear them, though their use is not required. Aids are available with advance notice for those with impaired vision or hearing.
Got a question about our worship services and Reform traditions? We have answers!
Did You Know?
The Alternative Shabbat Service has its own prayerbook, assembled by members of our congregation. This lay-led service uses many traditional songs and prayers, both in English and Hebrew, along with some new prayers written or collected by our congregants.
The Alternative Service also offers time for quiet contemplation and meditation, rousing Shabbat songs, stimulating conversation, challah for the Motzi, wine for Kiddush, and a welcoming, participatory spirit. We meet at 6 P.M. on Friday evenings, usually about once a month from September through May. It's a great way to welcome Shabbat!
What Is Reform?
Statement on Recommended Clothing
In the spirit of respect for the Temple and Sanctuary as well as for ourselves and other congregants, the following are clothing recommendations for those attending services at Temple Emanuel. Everyone is encouraged to attend services, and no one will be denied admittance based on these guidelines.
Young worshipers should adhere to public school guidelines, and adults should serve as a role model for youngsters.
Those scheduled to participate on the Bimah should wear collared shirts and long pants or appropriate dresses/blouses/skirts; denim is not appropriate.
Everyone should wear modest attire to honor the Sanctuary.
To Learn More
You can find out more about worship at Temple Emanuel by consulting these pages:
You can learn much more about the history of our new Reform prayerbook, the Mishkan T'filah, at the URJ website and in this Summer 2006 article from Reform Judaism. You can delve even more deeply into the guiding spirit behind Mishkan T'filah in this article by Rabbi Elyse D. Frishman that appeared in the Fall 2004 issueof the CCAR Journal. A history of various Reform prayerbooks, including the Union Prayer Book and Gates of Prayer, can be found here.
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Worship at Temple Emanuel
