The Children of Israel shall keep Shabbat, doing what is fitting in every generation to make Shabbat an eternal covenant between Me and the Children of Israel, a sign throughout all time and space.  For the Eternal did the work of heaven and earth in six days.  On the seventh day, God ceased work, and breathed a new soul into the world  (Exodus 31:16-17).

Shabbat is the highlight of our week at Congregation Beth El.  On Friday morning, the youngsters in our Preschool welcome Shabbat with song and prayer.  There are few moments more precious than seeing little children make blessings over the candles and make Kiddush with their parents and teachers.

Friday night we gather as a community to celebrate Shabbat.  Our Shabbat evening service is customarily at 7:00 p.m. 

As a Reform congregation, our worship reflects both traditional and contemporary forms.  We utilize Mishkan T'filah, the new Reform Siddur.  The prayers and songs we sing range from traditional melodies that have been sung for generations, to contemporary songs composed by Debbie Friedman and Jeff Klepper.  Some services, our Cantor sings a cappella.  Other times the Cantor is accompanied by guitar and/or piano.

At most Friday night services Rabbi Stander offers a sermon.  Some Friday nights, there is a Torah service, a guest speaker or the rabbi leads lively discussions.

Children are welcome at all of our services.  A sweet moment for all comes at the very beginning of services, when parents bless their children. 

Shabbat mornings focus on learning Torah.  A Torah study group meets with Rabbi Stander in the library from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.  Newcomers with any background are always welcome!  No knowledge of Hebrew is necessary (we primarily study the English translation).

Shabbat morning services are held whenever there is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.  All are invited to join in worship at 10:30 a.m.