Sign Up for Minyan Services at Beth El
Sign Up for Minyan Services at Beth El
Please Join Us In Person for Daily Minyan!
Our in person minyan allows people to come together for worship, say Kaddish, name a baby, provide support in good and difficult times, and builds a lasting connection to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Minyan?
Minyan is an opportunity to come together twice a day for prayer, community, music, reflection, and a few moments of quiet in our busy world. It is a gathering of a minimum of ten Jewish adults (over the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah), which has all the essential components of Services, including the Mourner’s Kaddish. Torah is read on Monday and Thursday mornings with the inclusion of the Mi Sheberach prayer for those who are ill. Without ten people, a Mourner or those observing Yahrzeits cannot recite the Mourner’s Kaddish, Torah can’t be read, and the Bar’chu blessing doesn’t occur.
Why do we have Minyan?
Minyan allows people to come together for worship, support, and the sense of connection to those before us. It allows us to pause in the midst of our busy workweek, and to connect with members of our community both during minyan and in the conversations that take place immediately before and after. Having a minyan is also a requirement to say certain communal prayers, including the Mourner’s Kaddish. As such, minyan is an important way that we support and comfort those in our community who have recently experienced loss.
How Does Minyan differ from the Shabbat Morning Service?
Daily minyan is much shorter than Shabbat Morning Services, and is a more informal environment. In addition, while some prayers, like the Sh’ma, are the same, other prayers in daily minyan focus on weekday themes, whereas Shabbat Morning Services are dedicated to celebrating Shabbat.
What can I expect at Minyan?
Our Clergy and/or a congregant leads and guides the service with English and Hebrew portions. Congregational participation is encouraged at whatever level you feel comfortable with.
Do I need to know Hebrew to attend?
No. All are welcome to participate at whatever level they feel comfortable.
When and Where is Minyan held at Beth El Temple?
365 days a year, 6 days a week in the Levine-Shein Chapel
Mornings: Monday – Friday 7 am and Sunday 8:45 am
Afternoons: Sunday through Thursday 5:30 pm
How long is Minyan?
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday Mornings – 30 minutes
Monday and Thursday Mornings (when Torah is read) – 40 minutes
Sunday Through Friday Evenings – 25 minutes
Can children attend?
Everyone is welcome! Although one must be 13 years or older to be counted in the minyan, the presence of children always enhances the service, and children who would like are encouraged to lead certain prayers like Oseh Shalom. We have books and toys available in the foyer outside the Levine-Shein Chapel.
Is there a dress code?
Dress as you’d like – it is a casual atmosphere.
Am I required to wear Tefillin – the leather boxes with words of Torah inside that are traditionally worn during weekday morning services?
No, but if you would like to try wearing tefillin, our rabbis have many sets available to loan, and would be happy to teach you how.
Am I required to wear a Tallit – a prayer shawl traditionally worn during morning services?
No. The prayer leader is expected to wear a tallit, but others in the congregation may choose to wear one or not. If you would like to wear a tallit, there are many available right outside the Levine-Shein Chapel for you to use during services.
Am I required to wear a kippah?
We ask that men wear a kippah, as well as anyone who is on the bimah. Others may choose to wear one or not. There are many available right outside the Levine-Shein Chapel for you to wear.
What do I do when I am at Minyan?
You can engage in any way you’d like – read the Hebrew – read the English – your own personal prayers.
Do I need to sign up? And where?
You are welcome whenever you show up. However, if you can plan your attendance, you can sign up here to let us know what days you are attending. You will then receive a calendar invite and a reminder two (2) days before your selected dates.
Wed, February 12 2025
14 Shevat 5785
Upcoming Events
-
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 13 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 13th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register! -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 19 , 2025Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Feb 19th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Women's Network as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 20 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 20th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2025Shababa
Friday, Feb 21st 5:30p to 7:00p
Shababa is a fun, engaging “service” for our youngest generation. All children ~8 and under (and their siblings, parents, and grandparents) are welcome to experience the joy of Shabbat with dancing, singing, stories, prayers and children's dinner. RSVP today! Sponsorship opportunities are available – for just $50 you can celebrate a child’s birthday by sponsoring a Shababa. To sponsor a dinner, please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel (ekrigel@bethelwh.org or 860-233-9696).
Contact Us
Beth El Temple
2626 Albany Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
Office Hours:
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4pm
Friday: 8:30am - 2:30pm
SULAM Beth El Educational Program:
Upcoming Events
-
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 13 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 13th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register! -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 19 , 2025Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Feb 19th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Women's Network as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 20 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 20th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2025Shababa
Friday, Feb 21st 5:30p to 7:00p
Shababa is a fun, engaging “service” for our youngest generation. All children ~8 and under (and their siblings, parents, and grandparents) are welcome to experience the joy of Shabbat with dancing, singing, stories, prayers and children's dinner. RSVP today! Sponsorship opportunities are available – for just $50 you can celebrate a child’s birthday by sponsoring a Shababa. To sponsor a dinner, please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel (ekrigel@bethelwh.org or 860-233-9696).
Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms
©2025 All rights reserved. Find out more about ShulCloud