Shabbat - Symbol of Peace by Rabbi Jeffrey L. Falick  Shabbat Shalom When we meet each other on Shabbat, we think of shalom, peace. It’s right there in the greeting.  Shabbat has always been a symbol of peace. Our ancestors called it a “taste of the world to come.” The peace that they sought to create on Shabbat teased them with hopes that such calm might one day prevail throughout the world.  Perhaps it was just a fantasy. But it gave...

Transcendence through Community by Rabbi Miriam Jerris  Humanistic Judaism is an innovative philosophy in Jewish life. Many of us were drawn to its honesty, its boldness, its openness and its creativity. The philosophy brought us to our congregation, but it is our quest for community that compels us to stay. We want to associate with others who share our vision -- our view of Jewish identity. We want to share our ideas and feel the warmth of their acceptance.  The opportunity...

Complete Healing - Adapted from Debbie Friedman by Rabbis Jeffrey Falick, Miriam Jerris, Adam Chalom  Makom hako’ach b’tocheinu, m’korot ha-b’racha m’chevroteinu,  May those in need of healing know refu’ah sh’leimah, the renewal of body, the renewal of spirit, and let us say: Shalom.  Makom hako’ach b’tocheinu, m’korot ha-b’racha m’chevroteinu,  May the source of strength that dwells so deep within us  Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing, and let us say: Shalom.

Sh’ma - by Rabbi Jeffrey L. Falick   שמע ישראל ניטול את חלקינו בתיקון עולם Sh’ma Yisra’el nitol et helkeinu b’tikkun olam.  Hear O Israel: Let us take up our portion in the repair of the world.  ברוך כבוד האדם לעולם ועד Baruch k’vod ha’adam l’olam va’ed.  Blessed is the dignity of each person, forever and ever. V’ahavta, adapted by Jon Dickman  Therefore, we strive to lead loving, compassionate lives With our heart, with our wisdom, and with our actions. These words...

Welcoming Shabbat by Rabbi Miriam Jerris  B’rukhim habaim. Welcome. Shabbat Shalom. We gather on this Shabbat as a community of believers. We believe that Judaism is the entire experience of the Jewish people. We believe in the value of celebrating Jewish culture and identity. We believe that all those who choose to celebrate with us are part of our community. We believe that being together strengthens and enhances our Humanistic Jewish experience. May this Sabbath be a time of peace and...

Blessing for Children by Rabbi Binyamin Biber  I/We bless you & watch over you with my/our love, and I/we hope that your learning & good deeds bring you joy & long life. May you help others and be an example to all, just as others help you & show you the paths of goodness. May the best within you shine forth with compassion, and may you always lift up your face to meet others in peace.  (Inspired by Numbers, 6:24-26)

ברוכים המוצאיים לחם מן הארץ B’ruchim ha motziim lechem min haaretz  Blessed are those who bring forth bread from the earth

ברוכים בוראי פרי הגפן B’ruchim boray p’ri hagafen.  Blessed are those who create the fruit of the vine.  Savri, maranan v’rabanan de etmol: kidashnu et ha’yayin. Savri maranan v’rabanan de ha’yom: brukhim ha’borim pri hagafen haShabbat. Me’samkheinu ha’Shabbat m’rapeinu l’gufoteinu u’l’nafshoteinu ha’Shabbat. Me’ashreinu brukhim ha’shomrim et yom ha’Shabbat.  The Rabbis and Sages of old proclaimed: We sanctify this wine. The Rabbis and Sages of today proclaim: Blessed is the fruit of the vine. The Shabbat makes us joyful. The Shabbat heals...

ברוך האור בעולם ברון האור באדם ברוך האור בשבת Barukh ha’or ba’olam Barukh h’aor b’adam Barukh ha’or ba’Shabbat Radiant is the light in the world  Radiant is the light within each person  Radiant is the light of Shabbat

On Shavuot, traditional Jews rise in synagogue as the Torah reader chants the most famed of all ancient laws, the “Ten Commandments.” Tonight, let us in our own way recall that tradition with ten ideas to improve the world. You shall open your heart to all the possibilities of life.  You shall value people over possessions and meaning over materialism.  You shall speak the truth with honesty and respect.  You shall take time for joy and wonder.  You shall forgive yourself...

Humanistic Kaddish Nitgadal v’nitkadash b’ruach ha’adam  Let us enhance and exalt ourselves in the spirit of humanity. Let us acclaim the preciousness of life. Let us show gratitude for life by approaching it with reverence. Let us embrace the whole world, even as we wrestle with its parts. Let us fulfill, each of us in our own way, our share in serving the world and seeking truth. May our commitment to life help us strengthen healing of spirit and peace of...