God told Moses: I have a good gift in My treasure house and Shabbat is its name. I wish to give it to the Children of Israel. (Talmud Shabbat 10b)
At Temple Israel of Great Neck, we cherish the weekly divine gift of Shabbat as a chance to recharge, pray and be together. We welcome Shabbat with a spirited musical Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Hazzan Shamash with congregant participation. We have Shabbat dinners and special programs throughout the calendar year.
Temple Israel bustles with activity on Shabbat morning. On occasion there are early morning opportunities for study and contemplation. We raise our voices together at our main service led by clergy and congregants. In addition to the main service there is an informal havurah service, a weekly service geared toward school-age children and their families, and a popular, award-winning Tot Shabbat service for preschoolers and their families. Following all these services, everyone gathers for a delicious kiddush meal, a great opportunity to catch up with friends.
Shabbat concludes with mincha, study and havdalah as we prepare to face the new week ahead.