Shabbat
Customs
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Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each
The “Mi Sheberach” Prayer for One Who Has an Aliyah
This post provides the Hebrew and English texts for the prayer recited for one who is called up to the Torah
Reconstructionist Blessings Before & After Torah Reading & the Concept of Chosenness
This short video demonstrates how to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading according to the Reconstructionist tradition,
Traditional Blessings Before & After Torah Reading
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading when called
Learn the Blessings Before & After Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”
These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading, when called up for an
Syrian Song of Songs and Kabbalat Shabbat (Audio)
This post includes two audio recordings representing the Syrian custom and musical style, sung by Hazzan Faraj Samra. The first
Kippalive: A Capella Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat
This 9 and a half minute long video features the Israeli male a Capella group, Kippalive, singing harmonic versions of many of
The Kabbalat Shabbat Experience Siddur: Guide, Text & Articles
This post presents a well-formatted, printable PDF booklet of the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service with the Hebrew, English and
Orthodox Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat & Ma’ariv (Hebrew, English, Transliteration)
This post presents a well-formatted, printable PDF booklet of the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv evening prayer service with
Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text & Audio)
This link will direct you to the full Hebrew text of the Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat service along with a 27
Humanist Kabbalat Shabbat Service
This link opens up a Humanist Kabbalat Shabbat Service (pages 4-17), which includes a selection of poems, prayers and songs in
Ideas
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What is So Special About the Aliyahs?
With references to halachic and Kabbalistic sources, this brief article from Chabad.org explains why being called up to the Torah
What is an Aliyah and How Can You Participate?
Perfect for beginners, this clear article from Chabad.org explains the origins behind being called up to the Torah, as well as
The Structure & Mystical Meaning of Kabbalat Shabbat
This post presents two approximately 4 minute long videos by Rabbi David Paskin introducing the basic structure and meaning behind
Introduction to the Kabbalat Shabbat Prayer Service
This introductory article describes the origins and structure of the Kabbalat Shabbat services, noting various customs practiced in different communities.
Guide to the Friday Night Synagogue Services
Great for beginners, this brief excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik offers an explanation of the structure and meaning
The Kabbalat Shabbat Experience Siddur: Guide, Text & Articles
This post presents a well-formatted, printable PDF booklet of the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service with the Hebrew, English and
Welcoming the Sabbath with Kabbalat Shabbat, Lecha Dodi and Ma’ariv
This introductory article by George Robinson outlines the basic structure of the Kabbalat Shabbat and evening prayer service, including an explanation
Learn How
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Reconstructionist Blessings Before & After Torah Reading & the Concept of Chosenness
This short video demonstrates how to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading according to the Reconstructionist tradition,
Learn to Chant the Blessings for the Aliyah
This interactive online tool from Chabad.org allows you to learn to recite the traditional blessings before and after the Torah
Learn the Blessings Before & After Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”
These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading, when called up for an
How to Have an Aliyah
In this 4 minute long instructional video from MyJewishLearning.com, Rabbi Steven Exler explains and demonstrates what to do and say
What is an Aliyah and How Can You Participate?
Perfect for beginners, this clear article from Chabad.org explains the origins behind being called up to the Torah, as well as
Learn How to Sing the Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat Service
This 16 minute long video by Rabbi Eli Garfinkel demonstrates how to sing the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service, with Hebrew, English
Guide to the Friday Night Synagogue Services
Great for beginners, this brief excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik offers an explanation of the structure and meaning
The Kabbalat Shabbat Experience Siddur: Guide, Text & Articles
This post presents a well-formatted, printable PDF booklet of the traditional Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat service with the Hebrew, English and
Music
Click here to show more Music content ↓
Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each
The Nava Tehila Ensemble: Dancing in the Glory – A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat
This post features the Nava Tehila Ensemble’s first album, “Dancing in the Glory: A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat,” made up of
Syrian Song of Songs and Kabbalat Shabbat (Audio)
This post includes two audio recordings representing the Syrian custom and musical style, sung by Hazzan Faraj Samra. The first
Kippalive: A Capella Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat
This 9 and a half minute long video features the Israeli male a Capella group, Kippalive, singing harmonic versions of many of
The Sabbath Queen: A Poem by Hayim Nahman Bialik
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of “Sabbath Queen,” a poem by Israel’s national poet, Hayim Nahman
Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Hebrew Text & Audio)
This link will direct you to the full Hebrew text of the Moroccan Kabbalat Shabbat service along with a 27
Miscellaneous
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Aliyah to the Torah vs. Aliyah to Israel
In his post from Chabad.org, Rabbi Yossi Lew explains why the term “aliyah” is used to describe both being called
A Prayer Before One’s Aliyah to the Torah
This post presents an original prayer which was written by Rabbi Jill Hammer to be recited by an individual or community
A Woman Describes Her First Aliyah to the Torah
In this personal article, Lauren Hamburger relays her first experience of being called up to the Torah for an aliyah,
A Kabbalat Shabbat Poem About Transitions
This poem by Rabbi Annie Lewis explores the cyclical, evolving nature of the physical world and human beings, focusing on the transition into
The Sabbath Queen: A Poem by Hayim Nahman Bialik
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of “Sabbath Queen,” a poem by Israel’s national poet, Hayim Nahman
Art in Motion: The Ana B’Koach Prayer Video
This 3:39 minute long video presents David Asher Brook’s award winning artistic representation of the mystical Ana B’Koach prayer. The artist