Ritual
SHABBAT WORSHIP
Our services are warm and spiritual. The Rabbi and Cantor begin by welcoming everyone and setting the tone of warmth and inclusiveness. Familiar and inviting melodies are used as well as the weaving of newer compositions within the service. Participation in singing is highly encouraged. We use the Mishkan Tefilah prayerbook. In addition to the traditional elements of the service, we also include a “Mi Shebeirach”, where all attendees are invited to speak the names of individuals that are in need of healing. Plus, each service also has a few minutes devoted to sharing the blessings in each of our lives. A festive Oneg Shabbat is held after our services.
On Friday evenings, during the months of September through June, our Shabbat Services begin at 7:30 PM. These services are in person and on Zoom. During July and August services begin at 6:30 PM, and weather permitting these services are held outdoors in our beautiful Lipsey Garden.
HIGH HOLY DAY WORSHIP
We use Mishkan Hanefesh prayerbooks during our High Holidays. On the first evening of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, services begin at 8:00 PM. Morning services for the two days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur begin at 10:00 AM. Family Services are held at 1:15PM on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur. First Day Festival Services begin at 10:30 AM. Afternoon Services on Yom Kippur begin at 3:00 PM with Yizkor occurring immediately after (around 4:30PM). Yizkor services are also held at 10:30 AM on the seventh day of Passover, the eighth day of Sukkot and the only day of Shavuot.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH
Saturday Morning Services are at 10:30AM and include our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students. Saturday afternoon/ early evening, Havdalah Bar/Bat Mitzvah Services are also available. Families choosing the Havdalah Service are required to use our Caterer, Hasson Caterers. Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates are scheduled for our students at the end of the fourth grade. To schedule a Kiddush or reception at the Temple with our Caterer, please contact them directly at 516 625 1200 as soon as you receive your date.
BABY NAMING AND/OR BRIS
Traditionally, boys are named at a Bris and girls are named at Friday evening or Saturday morning Shabbat Services. At Temple Judea, both males and females may be named in Temple if the child has at least one Jewish parent. To schedule a baby naming, please contact the Temple Office at least one month in advance with two or three possible dates in mind when the parents and child will be able to be present.
AUFRUFS
Blessings of soon-to-be-married couples are, by our tradition, held at one of the Shabbat services prior to the nuptials. This event can take place at almost any Friday evening Shabbat Service, and on select Saturday morning Shabbat services. To schedule an Aufruf, call the Temple Office as far in advance as possible with two or three dates in mind when the couple can be present.
WEDDINGS
A wedding held at Temple Judea is arranged through the Caterer, Hasson Caterers. They may be reached directly at 516 625 1200. We suggest that prior to finalizing the date with the Caterer, you contact the Rabbi to coordinate his availability on your possible date. If the wedding is not being held at Temple Judea, you will need to personally arrange with the Rabbi and/or Cantor. Please call 516 621 8049. The prospective wedding couple should schedule an appointment with the Rabbi a few months prior to the marriage.
FUNERALS
The Rabbi and/or Cantor officiate at funerals of members and immediate family of members, either at a Funeral Home, a cemetery or in the sanctuary of The Temple (under certain conditions). Please contact clergy through the Temple Office before scheduling the date and time of a funeral. For those who would like a funeral service to occur in the sanctuary, contact the temple office to find out the availability of the sanctuary and then contact a funeral director from Riverside Nassau North Chapel in Great Neck, our sextons. Minyan service leaders, for the Shiva period, can be arranged through the Temple Office.
UNVEILINGS
Unveilings can be scheduled for a member or family member of a member. Contact the Temple Office to schedule an unveiling where the Rabbi or Cantor will officiate.
OUR TEMPLE IS THERE FOR YOU
For any spiritual guidance needs, please call the temple office and ask to speak with the Rabbi or Cantor.
Members of our Caring Committee are also available to reach out to support a congregant in need of special services. If you need someone to visit a hospitalized patient or someone ill at home or to conduct services during a period of mourning or other times of need, please call the Temple Office and arrangements will be made to have someone contact you directly.