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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.
Sat, April 27 2024
19 Nisan 5784
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024
Sunday, Apr 28th 12:15p to 4:00p
For this community hike, we'll meet at Dr. Eliyahu’s house (1021 Mountain Road, Bloomfield, CT) after SULAM enjoys a field day at Schechter. Click in for details and to register! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, May 1st 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin, Women's Network and the Israel Engagement Committee 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. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024Shabbat Playgroup in the Park: May the Fourth Edition!
Shabbat, May 4th 3:00p to 5:00p
Calling all 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups: come find your people at the park! Join Rabbi Zerin, Dr. Eliyahu, and your friends at Beth El for a relaxed Shabbat afternoon at Eisenhower Park. We will provide cold drinks and summer treats! Note: will be canceled in case of rain. RSVPs requested but not required. Click in to RSVP! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024
Sunday, May 5th 6:30a to 10:00p
All 8th – 12th graders are invited to join Dr. Eliyahu Krigel and Marisa Beede for a special trip to NYC for the day to learn about the Jewish immigrant experience. The Masa Program at BET is our new program for 8th – 12th graders. This is a travel impact program that will consist of a combination of meetings which, culminating in a trip. For the first year of the program this year, we will be taking a trip to NYC for the day. We’ll leave on a private bus from the Beth El parking lot at 6:30am on May 5! We’ll be back to Beth El at 10:00pm on May 5. The cost is $50 for Beth El members thanks to the generous support of Men’s Club! During the trip we will visit Ellis Island, The Tenement Museum, and the Top of the Rock. We will also experience Kosher dining in NYC as well. In addition to the trip, we will also gather once before to help plan the trip and once after to reflect on our experience together. Space is limited to 20 students. Please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel at ekrigel@bethelwh.org with questions and for more information. Click in to register!