Shabbat Services

The shul’s Resumption of Services committee has decided to suspend in-person Shabbat services, in keeping with the decision by the Government of Ontario to place Toronto in a lockdown for 28 days. The province has limited houses of worship to 10 individuals. It was the feeling of the committee that limiting services to the maximum of
a minyan posed too many issues around fairness and accessibility.

The provincial lockdown is scheduled to last until Dec. 21, 2020, and our suspension of services will last through Shabbat Dec.19. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep the membership advised of any changes.

At the First Narayever, services are spirited and inspiring, singing is joyful, and guests are always welcome!

Our services follow traditional prayer customs, with davening that weaves together traditional and new tunes. We pride ourselves on rich congregational participation in every aspect of the service, where men and women contribute equally to all aspects of the service — reading from the Torah, leading services, providing commentary through the delivery of Divrei Torah, and any other required contribution.

Here are some additional details:

• Kabbalat Shabbat services are held on Friday nights beginning at 6 pm, except for certain Shabbatot in the summer. Please check the homepage or call the shul office to determine the Friday night schedule over the summer.
• Shabbat morning services begin at 9 am. Services are followed by a Kiddush luncheon and a study session led either by our rabbi or a guest speaker.
• On Sunday mornings, we hold a morning minyan beginning at 9 am.
• Morning services are held on all the Jewish festivals.
• We use the Lev Shalem siddur (published in 2016 by the Rabbinical Assembly) as our prayer book
• Narayever liturgy follows the traditional wording, with changes that reflect our gender egalitarianism.
• The Torah is read on an annual cycle.
• Women count as part of the minyan.
• Both adults and children, are required to cover their heads while on our shul premises; head coverings are available for those who may need them.
• Adults who participate in the service by being called up for a Torah honour are asked to wear a tallit; tallitot are available for those who may need them.
• We respect traditional Jewish observances at our shul. All cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices should be turned off on our premises on Shabbat and holidays, both indoors and outdoors.