Zambrano 1

Julian Zambrano
Mrs Lucarelli
Comparative Civilizations
9 November 2015
Reflection of a Jewish Shabbat
The Shabbat Service (the time Friday night that Jewish people are supposed to
worship God) is slightly different experience than a Christian Mass. The entire service was
spoken and sang in Hebrew because it is what the Jewish people believe is the original
language of God. The song and prayer book, called the Siddur, contained the original
Hebrew version, the phonetically spelled Hebrew words, and the English translation.
Although it was a condensed service, since neither the Rabbi nor Cantor were available, the
Shabbat consisted mostly of prayers and songs all professed in Hebrew. Similarly to a
Christian Mass, all the songs and prayers that were sung at the Shabbat were all praising
God and acknowledging his glory. Nearing the end of the service, everyone then recited the
story of Gods creation of the Earth which led to the blessing of bread called the Challah and
a wine, which ultimately concluded the service.
After the conclusion of the Shabbat several of the worshippers who attend Temple
regularly came up to our group to ask us where we were from, since they did not recognize
us. We told them we were working on a school project learning about different types of
religion. They were very welcoming towards us and were showing us around the temple.
We saw the Tallit, which is a shawl that the Jewish people are commanded by God to wear
while praying. They also gave us a brief lecture on the Torah; we were told that it is bad
luck to drop the Torah or witness someone dropping it. They proudly showed us the Torah

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and let some of us hold it. Overall the worshippers in the Temple were very nice and
welcoming to newcomers like us.

Organization of the Shabbat

1. At 6:30 we entered Temple Rodeph Torah, we were handed a book with prayers and
songs, called a Siddur. We were attending a reserved service since neither the Rabbi
or the Cantor were present, so instead two girls named Sydney and Marissa ran the
service.
2. The service started with a candle lighting and prayer for the Shabbat, or the time
when the Jewish people are supposed to rest on Friday night and Saturday, since God
rested that day after he created the Earth.
3. We then sang a song in Hebrew and then prayed in Hebrew. Hebrew is used
throughout the entire service, since it was the language that the Torah was written in.
4. We then sang several songs in Hebrew again titled Mi Chamochah (Who is Like You),
Hashkiveinu (Grant O God), Vshamru Vnei Yisrael (The People of Israel).
5. We were then asked to stand and sing a song Adonai, which, in English translates to
6.
7.
8.
9.

Open up my lips that my mouth may declare Your praise

We then prayed again in Hebrew
Next we sang again in Hebrew, Mi Shebeirach (May the One)
After that we then prayed Aceinu (Let us Now Praise)
Subsequently, one of the girls running the service asked for those who were either in
need or knew anyone in

need to stand up, so we

could offer prayers to

them. We stood up and

prayed Yitgadal
10.Next they asked for

anyone who had November

birthdays to come up,

and prayed for them. Since

birthday is in

November, along with Aman,

we were given

chocolates.

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11.Then we then we recited a portion of Genesis, of God creating the Earth. They then
blessed the Challah, (bread) and the Kiddish (wine).
12.They concluded the service with the song Salam (Peace), and then they offered
refreshments as well as the Challah and Kiddish.