If you’ve visited us for Shabbat services and are reading this guide to learn more about what you saw, we’re glad to have met you. If you are taking a look ahead at what to expect when you visit, we hope you have found this helpful and look forward to seeing you at KBI. Please Continue Reading »
P’sukei D’Zimrah – Preparatory Readings and Songs P’sukei D’Zimrah (“verses of song”) serve as a ‘liturgical warm-up’ before the rest of the morning prayers service. At KBI, we recite the entire set of songs, mostly privately. This usually takes about 20 minutes at the start of our Shabbat morning service. The Sh’ma and Its Blessings Continue Reading »
The following is not a comprehensive list. Please feel free to approach the clergy and/or knowledgeable congregants when you visit, to learn more or to ask questions about the objects you see in the Sanctuary. The Synagogue (Shul or Beit K’nesset) The synagogue is a building established for Jewish communal worship, education for adults and Continue Reading »
The Rabbi (Rav) The word Rabbi means “teacher”. The Rabbi’s primary role is to instruct and guide the community in the study and practice of Judaism. Rabbis derive their authority from an extensive education in the traditional sources of Jewish texts as well as secular studies. A Rabbi is chosen by a congregation to be Continue Reading »
Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, but it is also a day for communal gathering and reflection as we renew ourselves spiritually and physically for the coming week. To this end, it is part of our tradition that we come together as a community for prayer. We do this every day, three times a Continue Reading »
We hope you will follow along and join right in during prayers. While most of our prayers are in Hebrew, the holy language of prayer, all our books have English translations with which you can follow along. During Saturday (Shabbat) morning services we use two books: The siddur (prayer book) – the small blue book Continue Reading »
It is important that you’ve read through the entire handbook. If you haven’t, you may be missing valuable and helpful information. The KBI team also needs to know that we’ve done an effective job edifying everyone equally. We always welcome questions or concerns, of course, at any time. Please click here to confirm you’ve read Continue Reading »
E-mail is the best way to reach our caring staff and clergy, though our office phone numbers are below. Cantor Jason Green B’nei Mitzvah Program Coordinator cantor@kehillatbethisrael.com 613-728-3501 x239 Interim Rabbis D’var Torah, Mitzvah project – Cantor Green will introduce you to one of our Rabbis-in-residence at the appropriate time. Connect through Cantor Green 613-728-3501 Continue Reading »
“Bar Mitzvah” and “Bat Mitzvah” literally mean “son of” or “daughter of the commandments”. “B’nei Mitzvah” is either the gender-neutral version, or the plural (ie., multiple children of any gender or boys specifically; “B’not mitzvah” refers to multiple girls). When a Jewish child reaches the appropriate age, he or she automatically becomes responsible for his Continue Reading »
This outline is designed as a guide in following the flow of the Shabbat service. Page numbers refer to the Sim Shalom Siddur (the smaller, blue prayer book), unless otherwise noted. Services begin at 9:00 am. Please advise all persons who will be receiving an honour to arrive well before their honour will occur and identify Continue Reading »