Participate

There are so many ways to contribute to our shared unique experience at Shabbat Services. It takes the entire family of Bet Alef to create the sacred space that allows everyone – regular attendees – to be able to fully engage. You will normally be greeted at the door by a volunteer reminding you that “All Are Welcome.” Our musicians and Rabbi Olivier together create a musical and meditative journey that allows you to remember that Shabbat is truly an oasis from our busy lives. We honor yahrzeit and memories as a community – either by lighting a candle or simply witnessing the names read in memoriam. We are invited to participate in Tikkun Olam through our Tzedakah contributions each quarter.

Following the service, we gather together and celebrate Shabbat with delicious foods provided by volunteers and some of the best challah you’ll ever have.

Volunteer as a Greeter or Ambassador…

We want everyone to feel welcome and engaged from the moment they walk through our doors. If you are someone who loves offering smiles, handshakes, and warm hugs, being a greeter is for you! We typically need greeters for all of our Shabbat Services, as well as for our Events and Holiday Celebrations.

Newcomers sometimes feel a little disoriented their first time at Bet Alef. Ambassadors are members of our community willing to sit with them, guide them and answer their questions during our Shabbat service and the following Oneg.

Maybe you’re a bit introverted, but still want to provide hospitality in some way for our guests? Make sure to send us an e-mail and ask us how you can be involved in supporting Bet Alef’s commitment to ensure everyone feels welcome.

Light a Candle…

Every Shabbat and for most other Jewish holidays, it is customary to light candles. During our Shabbat services, members of our community are invited to light a candle in celebration of a special event in their lives, the marking of a birthday or anniversary, or in honoring the memory of a deceased loved one. As it is part of Jewish tradition, we encourage those wishing to participate in lighting a Shabbat candles to contribute a gift “L’Chayim” in multiples of $18—the numerical value of the Hebrew word “Chayim” meaning “life.” You are welcome to make such a donation on your own behalf, in memoriam of a loved one, or on behalf of someone else. If you would like to light a candle during services, please email us at administrator@betalef.org

Tzedakah…

It is traditional on Shabbat to make a financial contribution to a charity. In most Jewish homes is a Tzedakah Box where family members drop a few coins or a few dollars earmarked for a charity of their choice. Tzedakah is often understood to mean charity, but it also means righteousness or justice. Performing such an act of giving is part of many Jewish mindfulness practices of both humility and generosity, what we call Gemilut Chasadim—Acts of Loving-Kindness. What we practice as individuals, we also practice as a community. Each quarter, the Board of Directors of Bet Alef designates a local charitable organization as the recipient for our community’s Tzedakah. Members and attendees of our Shabbat services are invited to participate in this millenia-old practice by sharing a few dollars split between Bet Alef and the designated organization. Don’t wait for our next Shabbat, contribute to our Tzedakah right now.