Spiritual Life, Shabbat, & Holiday Services
We are excited to be gathering again in person for Shabbat services and holiday programs (most are also available on Zoom)! Consistent with the Reconstructionist motto of "deeply rooted, boldly relevant," our Shabbat and holiday services are grounded in Jewish tradition, while also building on it in creative ways. People of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge and observance are encouraged to join us in song, prayer, and study. Please read on for more information about our Shabbat services and more. Visitors are welcome to all of our services!
Spiritual Life Conversations
In the summer of 2023, Rabbi Toba, CDT Rabbinic Intern Akiva Nelson, and CDT members gathered to discuss how we might re-imagine our spiritual and ritual life as a community - holding on to what we cherish, and playing with new forms and ideas, both at Shabbat services and beyond. You can see recordings of the two Zoom conversations below, and peruse (and comment on!) the ideas that arose from the conversations here.
Shabbat Morning Torah Study with Rabbi Toba Spitzer
Saturday mornings before services, 9:00-9:45 am
October 21, November 18, December 16, January 6, February 10, March 16, April 13, May 18, June 15,
CDT (60 Highland St, West Newton — in-person only)
All are invited to join Rabbi Toba for an exploration of the weekly Torah portion, through the lenses of commentary both ancient and modern. Bring your own caffeinated beverage!
Shabbat Morning Services
Our weekly, hybrid Shabbat morning services are highly participatory and blend traditional davvening (prayer) with lively singing, English readings, and discussions of the weekly Torah portion.
All-Ages Erev Shabbat
Once a month, we gather for candle-lighting and Shabbat dinner, followed by a musical, kid-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Rabbi Toba.
Shorashim Shabbat
Shorashim (roots) Shabbat is a monthly Shabbat program for children ages six and younger and their adults and siblings. We will sing, pray, dance, play games, and read stories... all we need is YOU!
Ritual Life at CDT
For some brief articles about our ritual life, please visit our On Ritual page.
Rabbinic Care
Rabbi Toba is available to talk about any spiritual, religious, or personal issues that you might want to discuss. To schedule an appointment, please contact Rabbi Toba (confidentially) at t.spitzer@dorsheitzedek.org. Rabbi Toba does not check email on Shabbat (Friday evening through Saturday evening) or on Mondays (her day off). For congregants experiencing financial difficulties, help is available through the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. This fund is completely confidential. For pastoral support while Rabbi Toba is away, please contact chesed@dorsheitzedek.org to get in touch with “on call” rabbis.