All religious services at Temple Emanuel are always open to those who wish to attend.

The Temple holds regular Shabbat services at 8:00 p.m. most Friday evenings from September through June. About once a month, we hold a “family service” which starts at 7:30 pm. Family services place special emphasis on materials of interest to our younger congregants. During the months of July and August, the Temple usually holds four Shabbat services, led by members of the congregation. Saturday services are held a few times throughout the year as well. The schedule of services is always printed in our monthly bulletin and posted on our web site, www.temv.org.

Our services vary widely in format and content, ranging from fairly traditional Shabbat rituals to a variety of less structured observances. Services may draw on holiday themes, Jewish music and dance, Jewish mysticism and philosophy, historical events, contemporary social issues, poetry, healing, meditation, or other sources of spiritual and personal enrichment in our search for a rich and balanced Jewish life.

Members participate actively in these services, and share the honor of providing Oneg Shabbat refreshments on a rotating basis. Occasionally, we share a community potluck supper at the Temple before Shabbat services, as well.

Our Saturday morning services are often held in conjunction with bar and bat mitzvah celebrations. Saturday services, as well as High Holy Day observances, tend to be traditional in style. Temple Emanuel uses the New Union Prayer Books Gates of Prayer for Shabbat and the Festivals and Gates of Repentance for High Holy Days.

Music is an important part of our Temple, and our services are typically filled with song. Our Cantorial Soloist, Sharon Brown Goldstein, leads us at many services with her beautiful voice and wonderful style. The piano is used often, and we frequently enjoy other live music as well, both on Shabbat and for special events.

As stated above, services at Temple Emanuel are free and open to the public. There is never a charge for seats, nor are seats reserved or assigned by ushers. This policy is a long-held tradition at our Temple, and applies to High Holy Day services as well as all others.

Temple Emanuel has always had a strong musical tradition, and we believe it is a unique component of our identity. Our services are typically filled with song, enriching our prayers and the Shabbat and holiday experience. Our Cantorial Soloist, Sharon Brown Goldstein, leads us during High Holy Day services and approximately half of our Shabbat services. We also have a Temple Choir, as well as many talented musicians among our members who lead us musically on Shabbat and for special musical events that have become cornerstones of our annual calendar.

Our Temple Choir performs several times each year at services and special events. The choir is led by member Susan Bishov, a very talented pianist, teacher, accompanist, and director. All members of the Temple community are welcome to join the Choir, which joyfully performs liturgical and secular music in languages including English, Hebrew, Yiddish, and Ladino. Started in 2004, the Choir is a wonderful place for members to sing and explore music together.

Our other musical events have featured classical performances, klezmer music, showtunes, and more. Our biannual open mike event highlights our membership’s musical talent — from playing the piano and guitar to singing and even songwriting. This event is a wonderful time for all, with exciting performances by members, plus a performance of favorites and original music by the night’s featured act, Allied Folk, a popular local trio with a fun folk sound.