Shabbat

When are services?

Friday night services begin at 6:30pm and last about an hour.

Shabbat morning services begin at 10:00am and usually conclude between 11:30am and Noon.

Both of our services are available via livestream - see the home page for the links to the services.

What are Shabbat services like?

As a Progressive Synagogue, our services blend creativity and tradition, age old rituals and contemporary elements.  Expect a mix of Hebrew and English (our prayer books have transliteration for non-Hebrew speakers).  We are an egalitarian congregation that loves traditional and contemporary melodies, so men and women sit and sing together, Covid rules permitting.   Tallitot (prayer shawls worn by Jewish men and women), siddurim (prayer books), chumashim (Hebrew Bibles), and kippot (head coverings) are all available in the synagogue’s foyer.

Here are links to some common pieces we sing on Erev Shabbat - 

• Page 130 - L’chu Neranena 
• Page 131 - Yism’chu HaShamayim
• Page 134 - Zamru L’Adonai 
• Page 136 - Havu L’Adonai
• Page 138 - L’cha Dodi
• Page 142 - Shalom Aleichem
• Page 162 - V’shamru
• Page 178 - Shalom Rav
• Page 180 - Oseh Shalom

What should I wear?

NSTE is an informal place. Your presence is more important than your outfit. For Shabbat services, most dress in business casual attire. Members tend to dress a bit more formally when they have been invited for an honour on the bimah (pulpit), or are attending High Holy Day services.  

​Is there parking?

Yes. There is parking available onsite and on the street. 

Mobile Phone Usage

Please note that to preserve the calm and sanctity of Shabbat (the Sabbath), we ask that everyone refrain from using phones for calls or photography on our campus on Friday evenings and Saturdays.  However, devices required for those with hearing or visual impairment or mobility challenges may be used in all areas of the campus at all times.

Are all Shabbat services the same?

While the structure of our services is consistent, we have many "special" Shabbatot, including:

Shabbat dinners

Offered about every eight weeks. These fill up quickly, so be sure to book early if you are staying for the dinner. 

"Growing Souls" Shabbat for ages 0-8 and their families.

 FIND OUT MORE

Teen Torah Tag Team

Every so often, our NSTE teenagers who form our Teen Torah Tag Team conduct the service with the rabbis. Their participation is an inspiration!  Teens are welcomed onto the Team immediately following Bar or Bat Mitzvah. FIND OUT MORE

Shabbat Groove

A super musical, super groovy Friday evening service, thanks to the NSTE Choir.

Special guest speakers

In the past, we have hosted speakers on the topic of healthy relationships, disability inclusion, the Progressive movement in Israel, Holocaust remembrance, and more.  Our guest speakers have included members of our own shul, as well as representatives of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Centenary of ANZAC Jewish Program, United Israel Appeal, the Israel Study Tour, and government dignitaries.

Become a shammash

Shammashim play a vital role in helping our services run smoothly and assisting the rabbis.  It is a great mitzvah to volunteer as a Shammash!  It also provides a great opportunity to get to know more congregants. Training is easy and you will gain a more intimate knowledge of the service.  As there is a roster of Shammashim, the duty is shared, and you can sign up for once a month (or more often, or less often), and you can select whether you prefer to serve on a Friday night or Saturday.  If you are interested, please let the office know on: (02) 9419 7011 or email us: info@nste.org.au.

COVID Safety

Attendees of all ages are strongly encouraged to keep their Covid- 19 vaccination status up to date.  

Please do not attend NSTE if you feel unwell or are displaying any acute respiratory or flu-like symptoms.