Religious Practices at Beth Torah

Ritual practices at Congregation Beth Torah underscore the Conservative character of our congregation. We are an equal opportunity congregation where both men and women assist in services, read Torah, serve as officers, and participate in all aspects of synagogue life.

It is easy to see that members of Beth Torah value spiritual and community participation because our service leaders and Torah readers are fellow congregants. We welcome and encourage new people to step forward to study, learn, and help lead services or to read Torah throughout the year.

Shabbat Services
Services at Beth Torah are the central part of our religious observance as congregants lead services with Rabbi Raskin and serve as weekly Torah readers. Frequently, recent Bar and Bat Mitzvah "graduates" are on the bimah leading services with the Rabbi or reading Torah.

We use the traditional version of Siddur Sim Shalom; we use Etz Hayim for our Torah service, and we make transliterations available to help everyone participate.

Our Friday night services begin at 6:30 p.m. and Yom Tov morning services begin at 9:30 AM; Junior Congregation services begin at 10:15 a.m.

A kiddush luncheon follows Shabbat morning services, which is regularly accompanied by spirited bensching (Grace After Meals) and the singing of z'mirot (traditional Shabbat songs). Free babysitting is available for both Friday evening and Shabbat morning services.

Minyan
We conduct a minyan on Monday mornings at 6:45 a.m., followed by a light breakfast and Rabbi Raskin's Mishna Study Group.

Junior Congregation
We have a Junior Congregation that meets on Saturday mornings for children ages 6 through 12. Led by Eli Davidsohn, a well-known talent in the Dallas Jewish community, this service teaches younger members of our community the core elements of Shabbat worship in a musically rich context.

Torah Time Theater
Torah Time Theater has been a tradition at Beth Torah for over a decade. Once a month on Friday evening, the Torah Time marionettes tell a Jewish story geared towards preschool-aged children. Music, stories and fellowship with other families make this a delightful and unique program.

Holidays
Our Holiday Committee plans the congregational celebrations for the Jewish holidays throughout the year. We work closely with our Ritual Committee to support the traditions associated with the holidays. Holiday activities at Beth Torah include our Sukkot Dinner, Tu B'Shvat celebration, Simchat Torah Parade, Hanukkah Candle Lighting Party, Passover Seder, and the Megillah Reading during Purim.

Ritual Committee
Our Ritual Committee serves as a sounding board for the religious and ritual needs of the Congregation. The committee is deeply interested in the content and style of religious services at our synagogue. We combine the desire to embrace new ideas with the need to preserve traditions.

Life Cycles
Life cycle events are very important at Beth Torah. From the moment a child is welcomed into the community, either through brit milah or a baby naming ceremony, the child and congregation share major life events.

Consecration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and confirmation are carefully planned with each family, the Rabbi, and members of various synagogue committees, including the Learning Center, Sisterhood and Ritual Committee. Our goal is to provide a strong religious identity through education and ritual observance.

Couples plan weddings at Beth Torah with the help of the Rabbi.

Our Beth Torah family is also there during times of sorrow. The Rabbi-along with the Ritual Committee, Cemetery Committee and chevrah kadisha--are available to help and advise congregants with funeral arrangements at our traditional Jewish cemetery section on the grounds of Hillcrest Memorial Park when needed. The Ritual Committee also maintains and updates the Yahrzeit database.