With the merger of conservative and reform congregations, it was inevitable that Beth Israel Judea would create its own unique minhag, or custom, for its observance of our holy traditions. This is especially true of our worship services.
Depending on your background, you may find more or less Hebrew in the prayers of our services. You may hear more or less accompanied music. And you may find familiar and unfamiliar prayers, or sit or stand at different places. But we think you will find our services spiritual and meaningful, and accessible to young and old as well as to persons with varying backgrounds, Jewish or not. Everyone is welcome at BIJ and we strive to help everyone participate in our worship services.
Our services strive to create a holy space that can encourage kavannah, or mindfulness of prayer. Very important to the congregation is beautiful music and our services feature both composed tunes and chanted nusach.
The congregation uses the new Siddur Eit Ratzon prayerbook, which features side-by-side Hebrew prayers, English transliterations and translations, as well as meaningful additions, meditations and readings. Almost every prayer is transliterated. This prayerbook was chosen following an almost year-long process that involved the entire community.
Of course, families and children often participate in services as do many other groups, including women, teens and our Jewish veterans.