Friday Night

Weekly Friday Night Service: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

All three GJC prayer communities join together for a spirited Friday night service led each week by a different volunteer. We sing all of the traditional prayers (without instruments) and Rabbi Zeff offers a brief, text-based discussion between Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv. On the first Friday of the month join us for a Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat service, filled with tunes by and inspired by Shlomo Carlebach. Our regular Friday night service, as well as our Carlebach service, last approximately one hour and are a wonderful way to make the transition from the work week to Shabbat.

Monthly Kol Zimrah Service: 6:00 pm

Once a month (typically the 4th Friday), instead of the regular Friday night service, we all gather in the Charry Sanctuary for a musical Kol Zimrah service. On these Fridays we welcome Shabbat with an abbreviated service featuring new melodies and the hauntingly beautiful harmonies of Rabbi Zeff and Executive Director Nina Peskin. The service is either followed by a wine and cheese reception or communal potluck Shabbat dinner. Check calendar for exact dates.

I have always liked the way the GJC community comes together on Friday nights. There is a special warmth and energy when those who pray separately on Saturday mornings–the Charry Service, Minyan Dorshei Derekh, and Minyan Masorti–all join together in singing and dancing. This joint service is so much a part of my life that I will not let my employer keep me late on Fridays. – Ed Lake