The Community Synagogue

Shabbat Services

• Erev Shabbat Services (Friday evening) services take place September to June at 8 pm. A couple of times annually we hold outdoor services “at the beach”, with worship at the home of congregant by Long Island Sound.

• Congregational Family Services are for those of all ages. The atmosphere is more casual, our school children participate and the music and story are geared for the young and young at heart. Called “Second Shabbes”, these services are on the second Shabbat of each month on Erev Shabbat (Friday evening) at 6:30 pm.

• Festive Shabbat Dinners are held about every other month. These dinners take place immediately following the Congregational Family Services. This is a great way to begin Shabbat, sharing a delicious meal with other members of your Temple family. Reservations are required; please contact the Temple Office for the schedule and to make a reservation

• On Shabbat mornings there is Torah study every week at 9 am. At 10:30 am our “Havurah” service (held in the Beit T’filah/Chapel) offers an alternative to our worship with B'nai Mitzvah (held in the Main Sanctuary). This informal, come-as-you-are service is a more participatory, allows for learning about the prayers and has a wonderfully intimate feel.

Rosh Hashanah
The Community Synagogue observes Rosh Hashanah for two days. Services are held on Erev Rosh Hashanah, beginning at 8 pm, and the following day at 10 am. On the Second day of Rosh Hashanah services are held in the morning, beginning at 10:00 am.

Yom Kippur
•Yom Kippur Services begin with Kol Nidre at 8 pm and continue throughout the next day.
•Yom Kippur Study Sessions are held during the day of Yom Kippur for those members who would like to spend the entire day at The Community Synagogue.

Children & Family Services-Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur
There are Children's Services held on the afternoon of both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Family Services are held during the afternoon of each holiday.

Sukkot
The observance of Sukkot begins with building the congregational sukkah by the Brotherhood. Evening services on Sukkot are held early, to allow families to come and decorate the sukkah in a creative way. Festival morning services are generally held at 9:00 am.

Simchat Torah
A festive Family Simchat Torah service is held on the eve of the holiday. An adult Simchat Torah Service (including Yizkor) is held at 9:00 am the next morning.

Hanukkah
While Hanukkah is primarily celebrated in the home, there are a number of celebrations also held at The Community Synagogue. Each year our Sisterhood hosts a festive Hanukkah Dinner Party to bring everyone together to light the menorah and rejoice in the holiday.

Purim
Purim is a festive time at The Community Synagogue. The Book of Esther is read erev Purim in a service attended by young and old alike. If you haven't attended, you've never seen a Megillah reading like the one that our clergy puts together each year. Some years we hold two Purim events. On Erev Purim we will have an "Adults Only" celebration, for those 13 years and older. The next morning, our crazy Megillah reading for all ages will conclude with the annual Purim Carnival, an event for the entire family.

Passover
Passover Services are held on the morning of the first day of Passover at 10:30 am. Final day of Passover and Yizkor Services are held at the end of the holiday.

Shavuot
Our 11th grade students are confirmed during Shavuot Services on Erev Shavuot. This is a very special service, which celebrates a great achievement on the part of our young people as well as their commitment to the pursuit of a Jewish education. Services on Shavuot morning (including yizkor) are generally held at 9:00 am

Yizkor Services
Yizkor services are held four times a year:
• The afternoon of Yom Kippur
• The last day of Sukkot and Passover, and
• On Shavuot morning