Shabbat

Why We Celebrate Shabbat

Shabbat is a time to set aside the worries of the week and focus on rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal. It begins at sundown on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday, symbolizing a break from the mundane and a moment to connect with holiness. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel beautifully described Shabbat as “a palace in time,” reminding us of its role as a sacred space in our weekly lives.

Whether you join us in person or virtually, we look forward to celebrating Shabbat with you. Let us come together to sing, pray, and find peace in the presence of community.

Kabbalat Shabbat(Friday Evenings)

Kabbalat Shabbat(Friday Evenings)
Shabbat Shelanu (Saturday Morning)

Kabbalat Shabbat

At Temple Anshe Sholom, Kabbalat Shabbat, (welcoming Shabbat), is a cherished time to gather, reflect, and welcome Shabbat together as a community. Our weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service begins at 7:00 PM every Friday throughout the year. The start time remains constant, regardless of when the sun sets. This consistency allows everyone to plan their Friday evenings with ease. Services are usually preceded by a warm and welcoming Oneg Shabbat at 6:15 PM, where attendees can enjoy light refreshments and connect with one another.

Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan once said, “Shabbat is not only a time to rest, but a time to refresh the soul and restore a sense of purpose.” At our Kabbalat Shabbat services, we create a space where prayer, song, and connection can uplift our spirits and prepare us to greet the day of rest with joy.

Whether you prefer to join us in person or online, everyone is invited to take part in welcoming Shabbat with us. Please join us HERE!
Family Shabbat

Throughout the school year, we host four special Family Shabbat services, designed to create a welcoming environment for families with young children. These evenings begin with a Family Potluck, followed by an engaging and lively Kabbalat Shabbat service, and conclude with a delightful Dessert Oneg.
What to Expect
Our Kabbalat Shabbat service blends traditional and contemporary elements, creating an inclusive and spiritual atmosphere. We use the Reform Siddur (prayer book) Mishkan T’Filah, which offers traditional prayers in Hebrew, English phonetic transliterations, literal translations, and interpretive readings based on traditional prayer themes, making it accessible for participants of all backgrounds. Siddurim can be found underneath your seat when attending in person.

Kippot (head coverings) are encouraged for all, but not mandatory. We provide kippot for those who wish to wear one.

Tallitot (prayer shawls) are only worn by Jewish teens (who have already become b’nai mitzvah) and adults; and usually only worn on Shabbat and holiday mornings. Like the kippah, prayer shawls are optional.

We kindly ask that participants refrain from eating or drinking in the Sanctuary.

Please ensure that all phones are set to silent or do not disturb mode during the service.

Shabbat Morning Services & Torah Study

On Shabbat mornings, we offer a Morning Shabbat Service in the Sanctuary at 10:00 AM, followed by Torah Study at 11:00 AM in the library. Shabbat morning services are in-person only, but Torah Study is available both in person and online during the school year. As our sages taught, “Turn it over and over, for everything is in it.” We invite you to join us for a journey of exploration, discovery, and connection. Join our Torah Study HERE!
Tot Shabbat

We also regularly offer Tot Shabbat services for young children and their families throughout the school year. These short, musical, and joyful gatherings help introduce Shabbat in an age-appropriate and meaningful way. For more information on Tot Shabbat, please contact our Family Programming Director, Dora-Ann Cohen Ellison at dacellison@anshesholom.ca