The warm and flexible embrace of our Jewish liturgical heritage is an important part of our worship service. We incorporate these traditional liturgical pieces - these rich and worshipful markers in our history - in part, to remember that we are participants in a common history with other Jews, but also because they lift up and glorify our God, King of the Universe (Eloheynu Melek HaOlam).
These worshipful pieces of music became standard in synagogue worship because of the richness and power of the lyrics. It was as though people were saying, “That’s my favorite song... let’s sing it again... and again... and again!” There are many people who discard liturgy because they view it as “dead religion.” But any song, including the most anointed contemporary worship songs, can become “dead worship” when it becomes rote and we find ourselves singing the words without meaning rather than from our hearts.
For that reason, we have made available here a variety of our standard liturgical pieces so that you will be able to comfortably and meaningfully participate when we as a congregation lift up ADONAI in our liturgy. (To load all liturgical songs into your iTunes, click “subscribe” above).
Regular Liturgy
Shabbat Candle Blessings
Shehechiyanu (for Special Occasions)
Mah Tovu
Barchu
Shema
V’Ahavta
Mi kamocha
Torah Service
Ki Mitzion
Blessing Before the Reading of the Torah
Blessing After the Reading of the Torah
Placing the Torah in the Ark (V’Zote HaTorah)
Ha Motzi
Kiddush
Adon Olam
Aaronic Benediction