Shabbat at NSTE
Shabbat Services are where we share moments infused with sacredness. They are how we connect with each other, celebrate each other’s life milestones, and support each other through life’s transitions. Together, we find the solidarity, spiritual sustenance, and moral clarity to embrace the coming week with optimism, hope, and the determination to make a difference in the world at large.
What do we think makes an inspiring worship experience?
- A welcoming environment with opportunities for participation by all
- Meaningful and relevant interpretations of Torah that speak to our times
- Sacred music, traditional and contemporary
- An awareness that we're all at different stages of our Jewish journey
- Capable lay leaders who assist our Rabbis
Shabbat Experiences for Everyone
Erev Shabbat
Our Friday 6:30 pm services are the perfect opportunity to wind down from the week with an hour of song, poetry and prayer, and a d’rash to help make meaning of the world around us through a Jewish lens. We periodically have a special schedule on Fridays, so check our weekly newsletter or calendar to learn what's on.
Shabbat Morning
Shabbat morning services begin at 10:00am and usually last about 90 minutes to two hours. The Torah service is at the precious centre of our service, often with special blessings to honour a significant life moment, such as b’mitzvah (becoming a Jewish adult), naming of a newborn child, milestone wedding anniversary, observance of yahrzeit (anniversary of a loved one’s passing), return from a journey, or other occasion. Our joys are doubled when we share them, and our pain halved. On many Saturdays, our Choir is present.
Growing Souls
One Friday a month at 5:30 pm we enjoy a Shabbat activity and family pizza dinner for families with children aged 0-8 years. We share songs, movement, blessings, candle-lighting, juice and challah, as our little ones begin to grasp the joys of Shabbat.
Hands-Free Tefilah
A quarterly, innovative Shabbat service led by our primary school children, with prayers projected in multimedia so that hands are free to wrap around one’s parents or siblings or clap along with the music. Birthdays are celebrated with a special blessing and cake.
Teen Torah Tag Team Shabbat
Our post b’mitzvah teens return to the bimah as a group to lead this quarterly service with the rabbis and enjoy a chocolate and ice cream kiddush afterwards! Learn more about the Teen Torah Tag Team.
FAQs
What are Shabbat services like?
As a Progressive Synagogue, our services blend creativity and tradition, age old rituals and contemporary elements. Expect a mix of Hebrew and English (our prayer books have transliteration for non-Hebrew speakers). We are an egalitarian congregation that loves traditional and contemporary melodies, so men and women sit and sing together, and our services often are accompanied by guitar, piano, or other instruments. Tallitot (prayer shawls worn by those of any gender), siddurim (prayer books), chumashim (Hebrew Bibles), and kippot (head coverings) are all available in the synagogue foyer.
What should I wear?
NSTE is an informal place. Your presence is more important than your outfit. For Shabbat services, most dress in smart casual attire. Members tend to dress a bit more formally when they are celebrating a special occasion, such as a b’mitzvah, baby naming, or wedding anniversary, or are attending High Holy Day services.
Is there parking?
Yes. There is parking available onsite and on the nearby streets.
What is the mobile phone etiquette?
To preserve the calm and sanctity of Shabbat (the Sabbath), we ask that everyone refrain from using phones for calls or photography on our campus on Friday evenings and Saturdays. However, devices required for those with hearing or visual impairment or mobility challenges may be used in all areas of the campus at all times.
What is the COVID-19 protocol?
Attendees of all ages are strongly encouraged to keep their Covid- 19 vaccination status up to date.
Please do not attend NSTE if you feel unwell or are displaying any acute respiratory or flu-like symptoms.
Sun, July 13 2025
17 Tammuz 5785
Friday Night
Erev Shabbat Services : 6:30pm |
Shabbat Day
Shabbat Morning Service : 10:00am |
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