Summer services begin next week. The casual, come-as-you-are, atmosphere will be a welcome change of pace during the hottest time of year. Summer services are briefer, filled with familiar and contemporary music, a short Torah reading and a personal Shabbat message. Services begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude before 7:30 p.m. A perfect time for dinner!

            I also want to make you aware of an opportunity you have to help us investigate and explore a prayer book called “Mishkan Tefilah” (Tabernacle of Prayer). This prayer book was created and published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) for Reform congregations. It is meant to replace the “Gates of Prayer” which was first published in 1975. As I’ve written to you before about this prayer book, it has its inherent strengths and weaknesses. While many Reform congregations have adopted it across the country, it hasn’t been a high priority for us to explore until now.

            This summer, our goal is to use the prayer book in worship on four Friday nights, July 4^th, 18^th, August 1^st, and 8^th. At these services you’ll be handed a temporary but bound copy of Mishkan Tefilah. The Rabbis will lead the service, guiding you to read and sing as you are accustomed to doing. The format of the book is new with opportunities to engage in deeper meaning while participating in a familiar worship experience. You’ll see transliteration on the same page as Hebrew and English, which should enable you to be a fuller participant in services. You’ll also find meaningful footnotes that will enlarge your understanding of each prayer or section of worship.

            Your part is also to provide feedback. It’s preferable not to corner the Rabbi after services; rather, take a moment and send a note by email to Bobby Lapin, chair of the Worship Committee, at cbiworshipcommittee@gmail.com, or to one of the Rabbis. Each message will be kept confidential, or with your permission, shared with the Worship Committee. In the fall, when the committee meets it will evaluate the prayer book and make a decision with me about its “fit” at Beth Israel. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to participate in this process by worshiping with us and then providing important comments.

            To assure anyone who might be concerned, this is a thoughtful and deliberative process that can only move forward with your support. The meaning we seek in our worship spaces is part of our collective interest in hearing, reading, and meditating on words of the past as they relate to our present and future. Adding new insights and understanding to our personal and communal worship experience is part of the positive changes you might find in the prayer book. I urge you to join us all summer and particularly on July 4^th, 18^th, August 1^st and 8^th, for a taste of what’s possible.

            When you come to services tonight and to Summer Services for the first time, June 20th, please come to Levit Hall on the west side of the building. (You may enter at the Shlenker doors.) As you know, the air-conditioning and other building systems are being replaced and improved over the summer which necessitates shutting down the chapel and sanctuary. Levit Hall, with the trees in full view, is actually a beautiful alternative space for worship. Follow the signs to Levit Hall, lift your voices in prayer and song, and share Shabbat with us, your family and friends.

            From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom.

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