Archive for March 2018

Kippalive: A Capella Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat

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 Rabbi Shlomo Calebach‘s most famous melodies for Kabbalat Shabbat. The group sings selected

A Kabbalat Shabbat Poem About Transitions

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 Shabbat as a time of peace and rest. Rabbi Annie Lewis, a poet, activist,

Rituals for Turning Off Devices Before Shabbat

Rituals for Turning Off Devices Before Shabbat

This post by Elana Bell presents a short blessing and a list of actions to add spiritual intention to the simple act of turning of your electronic devices before Shabbat. Elana Bell, a

The Sabbath Queen: A Poem by Hayim Nahman Bialik

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 Bialik, about welcoming Shabbat. This poem is included in many alternative Kabbalat Shabbat

The Structure & Mystical Meaning of Kabbalat Shabbat

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 the Kabbalat Shabbat service. The first video focuses on the first six Psalms

Guide to the Friday Night Synagogue Services

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 behind the Friday night synagogue services, including Mincha (the afternoon prayer), Kabbalat Shabbat,

Introduction to the Kabbalat Shabbat Prayer Service

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. Originally from the Encyclopaedia Judaica, this article was shared on Jewish Virtual Library.  Kabbalat Shabbat

Learn How to Sing the Ashkenazi Kabbalat Shabbat Service

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 and transliterated texts to follow along. He uses many melodies that are popular

Reform Kabbalat Shabbat Service Guide

Reform Kabbalat Shabbat Service Guide

This short Kabbalat Shabbat Guide from Temple Chai provides a list of all of the prayers and songs that make up the Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv evening service, along with a brief description

Conservative Kabbalat Shabbat Service Guide

Conservative Kabbalat Shabbat Service Guide

This post presents the Guide and Transliteration for Friday Evening Services from the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/ Congregation Bnai Israel, a Conservative Egalitarian Synagogue in Fair Lawn, NJ. Particularly useful for those using the Conservative