Temple Sinai Choir
and Cantor Braun
with Danny Maseng
Scholar and Artist-in-Residence
January 2021
LISTEN.
Avodah
Our approach to worship, or Avodah, is rooted in the Reform tradition and enlivened by the words, insights, and music provided by our clergy and lay participants. We hold two lay-led Shabbat morning services yearly, spearheaded by our Religious Practices and Adult Education committees, and have multiple musical groups who, along with Cantor Braun, perform choral, klezmer, and other forms of popular music as part of our services.
Our prayerbook for Shabbat services is Mishkan T’filah: A Reform Siddur, and for High Holy Day services, Mishkan Hanefesh: Machzor for the Days of Awe. While many of our congregants enjoy owning their own copy of Mishkan T’filah, copies are available in the sanctuary for all who worship with us.
Since March 2020, we have been holding services on Zoom, with the Mishkan T'filah made available online by the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR).
Shabbat
Each Friday evening, we hold either a themed Shabbat service (usually beginning at around 6 pm) or an Erev Shabbat service (8 pm). During the fall and spring months, our Saturday morning Shabbat services are often led by a bar or bat mitzvah. We also occasionally hold lay-led Saturday morning services.
Our Friday evening themed services are particularly varied, offering something for everyone. We honor special occasions; invite guests from other faith communities and speakers on timely topics; enjoy a range of musical performances; and enjoy good food together, whether as part of the Oneg or a special dinner.
Below are descriptions of just a few of our most popular themed services. Since March 2020, we have been holding all services over Zoom, and have managed to adapt a few of these, while looking forward to a time when we can resume in-person worship. Be sure to check the calendar to see what's coming up!
Family Services invite the participation of students in our religious school. A special Young Family Service offers activities, such as art, for the youngest members of the Temple Sinai family.
Schmoozin' Shabbat features a pre-service catered meal and a wide selection of beverages, including wine, beer, soft drinks, and more. The pre-service meal and cocktails are for congregants age 21 and older.
Pride Shabbat is held every July, coinciding with Rochester's Pride March. We celebrate our LGBTQ community and confirm our commitment to inclusive worship.
Get S'More Shabbat is open to all and especially geared to guests. An annual tradition, it's a Friday evening service outdoors, followed by a bar-b-que and topped off with s'mores.
High Holy Days
During First Day Rosh Hashanah and again on Yom Kippur, we hold multiple services simultaneously. They include traditional, contemporary (family), teen, and young family services. During High Holidays 5781 (in September 2020), our clergy and volunteer planners adapted these services creatively for an online environment. Click on the image to access each video.
Yom Kippur morning 5781
Yom Kippur morning 5781
Yom Kippur 5781 Neilah
Kol Nidre 5781
Petach Libi (Open My Heart)
Temple Sinai Choir
