Like all Jews, we mark the weekly "Sabbath" ("Day of Rest") from approximately sundown Friday to approximately sundown on Saturday. Our observance includes Erev Shabbat ("Eve of Shabbat") and Shabbat Sharchari (“Morning of Prayer”) services in the two sanctuaries of our shared campus.

OUR SERVICES

Almost-exclusively lead by our own Rabbi Michael A. Davis, our Shabbat services are about an hour in length and typically include:

  • Piano and/or acoustic guitar accompaniment with a number of songs - traditional and our own - with all encouraged to participate

  • Engaging, collaborative spirit and tone

  • Traditional service components follow the Mishkan T'filah: A Reform Siddur - with copies, complete with transliteration, available for all

  • A traditional Torah portion with context before and sermon after

  • An open invitation for names of those in need of prayer and those recently deceased or marking the anniversary of their passing.

  • Onegs ("The Good Stuff") with traditional wine and grape juice and challah as well as a variety of other snacks and beverages to enjoy while socializing.

A few notes on services:

  • Friday evening services are typically held in the “north” (larger) sanctuary and Saturday morning services are typically held in the “south” (smaller) sanctuary.

  • We hold a "Family Service" on the first Erev Shabbat of the month with a special, kid-focused siddur on the first Friday of each month.

  • Our talented choir performs regularly at Erev Shabbat services.

  • Friday services in July are guest-lead, abbreviated, and do not include the Torah service. We do not hold Saturday services in July.

GUESTS WELCOME

Visitors, including non-Jews, are welcome to attend our regular services. Please contact the WJCC prior to close of business the week that you plan to attend. Groups interested in scheduling a visit should also contact the WJCC office.

ATTEND REMOTELY

If, for whatever reason, you are not comfortable, able, or eligible to participate in-person - don’t fret. We will continue, until further notice, to offer virtual participation ON FACEBOOK.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

As the number and severity of local COVID-19 cases continues to decline and as vaccines become more readily available to those in our area - services have resumed at the Joan S. Beren Wichita Jewish Community Center (WJCC).

TO ATTEND YOU MUST

  1. Feel generally “well” - no fever, persistent cough, or other symptoms of illness.

  2. Comply with any additional requests from our Greeters, Ushers, Rabbi Davis, and other WJCC representatives while on campus.

SOME CONSIDERATIONS

  1. NO reservations are currently required for any in-person events (unless otherwise stated).

  2. Onegs will be held FRIDAY EVENING (but not Saturday morning).

  3. We request you wash and/or sanitize your hands immediately before entering the sanctuary (sanitizer is available in the WJCC lobby).

  4. Physical copies of the Mishkan T’filah will be available or you can access a digital copy from your cell phone or tablet by tapping here.

  5. Restrooms will be available during and immediately before and after services for in-person participants.

  6. All terms of this policy are temporary and subject to change.