Worship at Temple Beth-El

"O Eternal, open my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise."

This line from Psalm 51 epitomizes the nature of Jewish worship. Prayer offers a context in which we can express our innermost thoughts and feelings, whether through words that have been passed down to us or through our own silent meditation and contemplation.

Temple Beth-El is a congregation with members from diverse backgrounds which encompass the entire spectrum of Jewish practice and belief. Our affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism facilitates the possibility for worship that honors tradition as well as innovation. Prayerbooks published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis serve as our texts and guide us in worship: Mishkan T'filah (Shabbat, weekdays and holidays); Gates of Prayer for Young People (for our monthly Family Shabbat); and Gates of Repentance (for High Holy Days). We use creative liturgies throughout the year when we wish to explore a variety of themes in prayer and song.

Members at Temple Beth-El enjoy active participation in Shabbat and holiday services through singing, reading, discussing the Torah portion or Haftarah reading, or reflecting on the content of the prayerbook. Traditional chanting and our voices united in song along with musical accompaniment enable us to generate a special spirit that makes our heritage come alive. We maintain a balance in our worship between Hebrew and English so that all who are assembled can easily follow the service. Congregants who help to lead worship guide and inspire their fellow members to connect with our prayers so that all can gain meaning that they can apply to their daily lives. Sermons, Div'rei Torah (Words of Teaching) and discussions enable us to discover how values which flow from Jewish texts can inform their own perspective on issues that face our community and our world.

Our worship schedule (see below) changes with the coming of Jewish holidays. On Sukkot, Pesach and Shavuot, we hold a service on the first and last morning of the festival, with yizkor/memorial prayers included on the last day. Check the Temple calendar on this website or call the Temple office (575-524-3380) for information on the dates of times of our services.

Our services are open to all who would like to join us in adding new voices to the chorus of those from the many generations that preceded us in "opening our lips" in prayer. We welcome your presence and participation!

Worship Schedule (check the monthly calendar for changes/updates):
• A 5:45 pm Family Service on the first Shabbat of the month, followed by a dairy/vegetarian potluck dinner.
• A "Simchat Shabbat" 5:45 pm service on the third Shabbat of each month, followed by a catered dinner (reservations required by the Tuesday prior to that Friday).
• A 7:30 pm service on other Friday nights (second, fourth and, if there is one, fifth) often includes a brief Torah reading. Congregants gather for an Oneg Shabbat reception following these services.
• Shabbat morning worship begins at 10:15 every Saturday morning (including a brief Torah and Haftarah reading), and is followed by a potluck Kiddush.