Friday Night Service Options
Kabbalat (Welcoming) Shabbat
Young & Old Welcome
Main Sanctuary
Join us from 6:15-7:30pm on Friday evenings for a service filled with song, music, dance, meditative moments and Torah. Young and old are welcome. Services begin with congregants lighting Shabbat candles and conclude with recitation of Kiddush and the Priestly blessing, and singing Sholem Aleichem. Those observing a yahrzeit are encouraged to join us to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish in memory of their loved one. An oneg takes place in the social hall after services.
Shabbat-In-The-Woods
Young Children
Atrium of Main Building
Join us for our service in story and song for families with young children from 5:30-6:00pm.
Following the service at 6:15pm we offer supervised childcare, light supper and Shabbat crafts so that parents can attend the Kabbalat Shabbat service in the main sanctuary.
At 7:15pm the children join their parents in the main sanctuary for Kiddush.
Shabbat Sheli
Elementary School Age Children
Clergy Study
Designed for elementary aged children. Join us monthly for stories, songs, prayer explorations, and more led by one of our rabbies, cantor and staff. Parents can enjoy a glass of wine together nearby or stay with siblings at our Shabbat-In-The-Woods service. 5:30-6:00pm.
For a full Shabbat evening, enjoy our Family One at 6:00pm or bring your own dinner and stay for our 6:15pm Shabbat services in the Main Sanctuary.
Please note: Shabbat Sheli is held the first Friday of the month
The 1st Shabbat of the month is also Shabbat-in-the-Woods Book Share Night. Take home a book as our gift.
Synaplex Shabbat
Main Sanctuary
2019-2020 Dates
November 15th, December 6th, January 24th, February 7th, March 20th, April 24th, May 8th
Synaplex is an innovative monthly Friday night program that explores the Jewish experience. Its cultural, educational, spiritual, and social events are opportunities to learn, gather, pray, and enjoy Shabbat. Synaplex events are open to both temple members and non-members. Kol Ami is honored to have an article about Synaplex published in Contact, the Journal of Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation.
All events are free with the exception of dinner.
Synaplex Schedule
| 5:00 – 6:00 | Explorations in Jewish Music with Cantor David Rosen and special guests |
| 6:00 – 6:15 | Pre-Service refreshments – Unwind with Hors d’Oeuvres and Community |
| 6:15 – 7:15 | Kabbalat Shabbat service |
| 7:15 – 8:00 | Dinner (reservations & payment can be made with the main office) |
| 8:00 – 9:15 | Keynote speaker, Activities for Children, Sports and Games |
| 9:15 | Coffee, dessert, and Ice Cream Bar |
Synaplex Speakers
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Live Streaming Services
If you are unable to join us in person you can watch the service at home on your computer.
You will need a password which can be obtained by calling the main office.
Watch Now
Saturday Morning Service Options
Shabbat Morning Lift
(Schulman Chapel-in-the-Woods)
We start our Saturday mornings informally with coffee and conversation from 9:00-9:30am, followed by Torah study with Rabbi Shira Milgrom from 9:30-10:45am.
We then have an informal and participatory Shabbat service from 11:00-12:15pm.
Those observing a yahrzeit are encouraged to join us to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish in memory of their loved one.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Services
Main Sanctuary
Bar and Bat Mitzvah services are held
from 10:30 – 12:00 in the Main Sanctuary.
Read our guide to participating in a Torah blessing at a B’nai Mitzvah
Shabbat Music & Prayers
Music is at the very heart of Jewish worship, bringing joy, personal insight and a unique sense of community. At Congregation Kol Ami, our worship services are inviting, fulfilling, comforting, joyous, and filled with music – creating a beautiful musical experience as well as an environment inspiring full and spirited congregational participation. By exploring together the multicolored fabric of Jewish music, we have the unique opportunity to create an inclusive spiritual home for our own members, as well as for others searching for a connection to Judaism.
Learn about, and listen to, the Shabbat blessings & prayers
Learn more about celebrating Shabbat at home with customs and activities from the Union for Reform Judaism