Shabbat

United Hebrew Congregation has long been a leader in nurturing the traditions of Reform Judaism as a meaningful expression of Jewish life. At the heart of our Congregation, services uplift, reaffirm, and connect us to Judaism and to each other, inviting full and spirited participation and fostering a deep sense of belonging for all. We seek to create a spiritually satisfying worship experience within an inspiring environment. Services include a diverse range of prayers and music, including contemporary and traditional melodies.

We welcome you and your family! Come for Shabbat. Celebrate a holiday. Try out our different styles and offerings – you’re sure to find one that speaks to you.

All services may be livestreamed, except for Tot Shabbat.

Shabbat Evening

Our Shabbat evening service, held each Friday in the Millstone Sanctuary, features familiar rituals and melodies and expresses the warmth and kindness of our congregation. Service often includes a sermon or presentation by one of our rabbis or a special guest.

Schedule
(For full schedule, visit the calendar)

September 8, 2023 – May 17, 2024:  6:30 p.m. Shabbat Service

May 24, 2024 – August 30, 2024: 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service

The first Friday of the month: adult and child birthday blessings and Dessert Oneg following the service
The third Friday of the month: anniversary blessings and Shabbat Nosh preceding the service

Kulanu Shabbat

All Included, Folk Rooted, Voices Lifted Shabbat Service. Kulanu (meaning “all of us”) is an intimate and musical alternative Shabbat service led by Greta Rosenstock and Charlie Kramer, accompanied by an all-string folk band. There will be drinks and dessert and time to connect after the service.

Upcoming Dates:
Friday, November 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, February 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Tot Shabbat

The short service (30 minutes) is just right for our little ones ages zero to six. Held during the school year in the Spielberg Chapel.

Upcoming dates:
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, November 15, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Friday, December 20, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Friday, January 17, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Friday, February 21, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Friday, March 21, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Friday, April 18, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Friday, May 16, 2025 at 5:30 pm

Shabbat Morning

Torah Study

Saturdays, 8:45–9:45 a.m.

Each Shabbat morning, we gather to study the week’s Torah portion. Torah Study is led by our clergy. No prior experience with Torah is necessary; just come as you are, with an open mind!  Currently being held both in person and via Zoom.

Shabbat Morning Service

Our 10:00 a.m. Shabbat morning service often includes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration and other life-cycle celebrations. The service is led by one or both of our Rabbis and our Cantor and includes the reading of Torah and Haftarah. If there are two b’nai mitzvah then services are generally at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Please call the synagogue office, 314-469-0700 or view our Shabbat calendar to confirm the time of the service.

Kaddish is offered at ALL of our Shabbat services, except for Tot Shabbat for anyone who would like to commemorate a loved one.

Family Shabbat

Together with our and music specialist Greta Rosenstock, we’ll celebrate Shabbat “camp style.” Our hope is that students will help participate in our service.

Upcoming Dates
Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 10:00 am
Saturday, December 14, 2023 at 10:00 am
Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 10:00 am
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:00 am
Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 am
Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 10:00 am

 

Upcoming Special Shabbat Services

Friday, November 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.  Shabbat and Installation of Cantor Shirel Richman
Friday, December 6, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.  Symphony Shabbat
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.  Pre-Chanukah Shabbat
Friday, January 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.   MLK Shabbat
Friday, May 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.   Israel Shabbat
Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.   Confirmation Shabbat

Additional Shabbat offerings

Several times during the year classes are held as a series or as a single session to discuss a current event or relevant topic.