Prayer
Or Zarua's Aron haKodesh, on the
eastern wall, closest to Jerusalem.
All of our services are both traditional (no choir, no organ, and the entire Torah portion is read) and egalitarian and are always led by members of the congregation. Children are always welcome either to sit with their families or to join in the Or Zarua Youth services which are held during Shabbat morning services.
At Or Zarua, Shabbat is the most special day of the week and newcomers are invited to come to see for themselves what makes it so special for us. Each of our Shabbat services has its own character, shaped by the people who have chosen to bring Or Zarua into their lives.
Friday Evening services are held every week as the sun goes down; this is an intimate gathering which provides a relaxing yet festive mood with which to greet Shabbat. We begin with the weekday Minḥah service; the Rabbi then leads us all in a discussion of Mishnah; and the day then culminates in the beautiful and joyous Kabbalat Shabbat service. If you haven't been to synagogue on a Friday evening recently, you owe it to yourself to come experience this wonderful transition from a hectic week to an uplifting Shabbat.
Saturday Morning services begin at 9am every week. This service is always well attended yet retains the intimacy and involvement for all present which characterizes davening at all Or Zarua services. During Shaḥarit feel free to participate in our often spirited discussion of the week's parashah and related issues, where people of all ages and backgrounds express their opinions with enthusiasm and candor.
Holiday services are held at Or Zarua for all of the Jewish festivals. In general, there are evening services around sundown and morning services at 9am on Yom Tov days, and are open to all. Check the monthly calendar for specific dates and times. For information about High Holiday tickets, contact the office at 212.452.2310, Ext. 12.
