GJC is home to multiple, distinct prayer communities because we place a high value on diversity in how we approach the divine and celebrate Shabbat and holidays. The original Germantown Minyan was started after the High Holidays in 1974 as the vision of Rabbi Elias Charry, z”l, who saw that diverse davening styles were a building block for GJC’s future. The Germantown Minyan began with an average attendance of 12 in its first year. There are now two minyanim, and attendance at both minyanim now averages nearly 150 on a given Shabbat or Chag. The minyanim at GJC have become a magnet for Jews in Philadelphia who are interested in lay-led davening and a community for celebrating Shabbat and Chaggim. Minyan Masorti was created as a spin-off from the Germantown Minyan on Shabbat Yitro in 1980, due to a desire for an egalitarian davening that followed a traditional Matbeah t’filih, including a full kriah and a repetition of the Shacharit Amidah, full P’seukei D’zimrah, and no English prayer. Originally meeting in classroom 206 at GJC, it was first called the “206 Minyan” and davened together for all Shabbatot and holidays except for the High Holidays, when they would join with the Germantown Minyan. Dorshei Derekh is the renamed direct descendant of the Germantown Minyan.
The Charry Service
The Charry Service provides a traditional, egalitarian service with a focus on learning. Both women and men participate equally in our service, and we encourage and provide opportunities for participants to learn the language (Hebrew) and the skills (chants and tunes) that allow them to lead the prayers and to read from the sacred texts that make up the core of the service. GJC Rabbis and other guest teachers open up new perspectives on these texts and encourage discussion during our extended study period after the Torah is read. The following list of features may help to convey the distinctive style of the Charry Service: We use Siddur Lev Shalem, the prayerbook of the Conservative movement, to which we add inclusive language to welcome both women and men into the prayer experience. Our Shabbat prayers begin with Shacharit (the morning service) and continue with the Torah reading. We take time for an extended period of study before finishing with Musaf (the concluding service). Our reading from the Torah follows the shorter, triennial cycle, completing the reading of the Torah every three years. Read more here…
Minyan Dorshei Derekh
Minyan Dorshei Derekh (“Seekers of a Way”) is a dynamic, progressive, inclusive, and warm worshipping community. The minyan is home to people of many different ages and backgrounds, reflecting the rich diversity of Northwest Philadelphia and beyond. As part of GJC, they are an affiliate of the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism. Dorshei Derekh is also an affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. Dorshei Derekh prizes a joyous, participatory, egalitarian style of davening, relying on the talents, energies, and perspectives of its members. They encourage members to keep learning and sharing new skills, and conduct periodic classes for those interested in broadening their participation. The following list of features may help to convey the distinctive style of Dorshei Derekh services: Services use Kol Haneshamah, the Reconstructionist siddur (which many members of the minyan helped to create). The first half of our service is enhanced by lively singing, occasionally accompanied by rhythm instruments (hand drums, tambourine, and other hand percussion; not amplified.) Torah is read on a triennial Torah cycle, divided into 3 Aliyot. Read more here…
Live-stream Dorshei Derekh’s Saturday Shabbat service here.
Minyan Masorti
Minyan Masorti is an egalitarian davening community of people with diverse beliefs, politics, and Jewish backgrounds. We join together in a shared commitment to traditional Hebrew liturgy and a full Torah reading each Shabbat morning. We’re an egalitarian minyan, where leading services, reading Torah and Haftarah, giving a brief teaching (Dvar Torah) and setting up kiddush are shared by the community. Each minyan member contributes in a way that is comfortable for them. We recognize that everyone in the community has wisdom to share, and anyone who
wants to learn a skill will be assisted in doing so. We are committed to individual growth and also to growing our community through welcoming members and visitors of all ages, from
babies on up. We try to take care of each other whether we’re celebrating or struggling, from the occasional joint potluck lunch to meal trains for those in need. It’s important to us for everyone to feel welcome. And as much as we enjoy our davening, we also like to look around and see all of the new and familiar people in the room. Please come visit and join the Minyan Masorti
community! For more information, email mazkirut@gjc.groups.io. Read more here…
Zoom Minyan Masorti – A Warm, Traditional Community Without Borders
Connect with us on Zoom every Saturday at 10:00 am Eastern Time for a full, traditional service and a lively post-davening schmooze. We’re an inclusive, welcoming group, bringing the beauty of a complete Saturday morning service to you wherever you are—no commute necessary, just a stable internet connection.
We offer the full Shabbat experience from pesukei d’zimra through Adon Olam, with unabridged Torah reading, all accessible and entirely online. Whether you are in your living room, study, or even a vacation hotel room, you can be part of a vibrant, diverse community.
After the service, stay for our signature schmooze sessions. Relax, and share.
There are opportunities for everyone to participate, from leading a prayer or reading Torah to simply learning alongside others. With supportive members and leaders—including rabbis and cantors who love to teach—you can grow your skills and comfort level, whether you’re an experienced davener or just starting out. Plus, we mix in English for the D’var Torah and take time to explore interesting topics along the way.
Join us for heartfelt prayers, engaging conversations, and a bit of virtual kiddush at the end (BYO, naturally, until that wine-delivery feature on your device is perfected). We look forward to welcoming you! For more information, email Rabbi Joan Sacks.