Experience Koleinu this Shabbat

Why is Koleinu different from any other Shabbat morning service in Rhode Island? Koleinu is a monthly Shabbat morning service in the hamish and inviting Temple Emanu-El chapel for children, young adults and their families who choose to pray in an intimate and warm setting. We welcome those who will benefit from an abbreviated service with lots of singing, plenty of movement, laughter and an abundance of participation. Our mission is to encourage all levels of ability, ranging from those who prefer sitting and observing the service to those who enjoy chanting and leading parts of the service. Jewish families throughout R.I. and surrounding towns are welcome to attend this community outreach program.

When you walk into the chapel, one of our committee members will greet and invite you to join the group in a circle on one of the beanbag chairs. (Regular chairs are available.) We begin with a welcoming song during which everyone is introduced. We integrate percussion instruments throughout the service, and we have been known to march in and out of the chapel during our Torah processionals.

Rabbi Elyse Wechterman leads the service. With the permission of Camp Ramah in New England, we have adapted their Tikvah Siddur for our service. During our Torah service, various volunteers chant briefly and individuals and families are called up for an aliyah.

Each month, a Koleinu committee member leads an engaging activity (D’var Torah) based on the portion of the week.

At the conclusion of our service, we gather in a circle to share what we thank God for on that Shabbat morning.

Immediately following our closing circle, we proceed to the adjoining breakfast room for a Kiddush and motsei. Then, those who are interested join the rest of the folks attending other services to head to a delicious lunch, where families are welcome to schmooze as long as they want.

We are grateful to Rabbi Elan Babchuck, who brought this concept to Temple Emanu-El. His past experience in a similar program in California has been invaluable. We are proud that we are the first to offer such a service in R.I.

If you are interested in our service, feel free to contact Toby Liebowitz at toliebo@aol.com or Rabbi Elan Babchuck at ebabchuck@teprov.org. The upcoming 10:30 a.m. services are planned for: Feb. 7, March 14, April 18, May 2 and June 6. All are welcome. Call Temple Emanu-El, 401-331-1616, for more details.