We drive 30 minutes to get to GJC and pass many other synagogues along our route. We really like the energy of the Friday night service and the warmth and informality of the Saturday morning service. You don’t have to dress to the 9s and if you want to try something new–like read Torah for the first time–it’s not at all intimidating.–Barb Menin
Who We Are
The Charry Service focuses on beautiful, participatory prayer and deep learning in the context of a shorter, traditional, egalitarian service. GJC’s rabbis and guest teachers open up new perspectives on Jewish texts and encourage discussion during our extended study period after the Torah is read.
- The study each week may focus on that week’s Torah reading, our place in the Jewish year, or broader topics affecting our world.
- We use Siddur Lev Shalem, the newest prayer book of the Conservative movement, which uses inclusive language, interpretation, and poetry to inspire connection to the prayers of the Jewish people throughout time.
- Children and adults often take special roles in the Charry Service, leading parts of the service, reading from the Torah, or offering their own thoughts during study.
- Special services and events organized by Tikkun Olam, Women of GJC, Men’s Club, and Hazak are a regular feature of our service, often involving guest scholars and teachers.
What We Do
Shabbat and Holidays
- Shabbat & Holiday mornings services begin at 10:00 AM and end around 12:00 PM. After services, a Kiddush (reception with light refreshments) allows time for us to connect with each other, celebrate happy occasions, and continue our discussions from the service. The Charry Service is usually held in the Charry Sanctuary, named for Rabbi Elias Charry, rabbi of the congregation from 1942-1983. In the summer, our service is often held in the Magil Chapel.
- Joint services with other GJC prayer communities take place occasionally to celebrate happy occasions or to welcome a scholar-in-residence.
Getting Involved
We encourage both new and long-time members to take leadership roles in the Charry Service. Here are just some of the ways you could participate:
- Did you know the Charry Service has a listserv? The Charry Listserv has been around for years, but recently, it was changed to an open format and will be co-moderated by Sandy Meyer and Nan Myers. If you are a member of the Charry Service, regular or occasional, you may want to join this group and exchange ideas about what is going on in our community. To join or for more information, please contact Sandy or Nan. Listserv guidelines can be found here.
- Welcome fellow congregants by volunteering as an usher or greeter.
- Celebrate a happy occasion with the community by taking an aliyah to the Torah and/or sponsoring a Kiddush.
- Offer a teaching or special reading.
- Lead part of the prayer service.
- Chant part of the Torah reading or haftarah.
How to Contact Us
Please feel free to contact Iain Little, Rabbinic Assistant at 215-844-1507, x16 or rabbinicassistant@germantownjewishcentre.org if you have any questions or would like to participate.