Services

All of our prayer services are open to everyone, and we are currently operating in a hybrid format (with both in-person and online options for participating on Shabbat). We are a learning congregation: our prayer ritual immerses us in Hebrew phrases, Jewish rhythms, and ancient Near Eastern spirituality. Little by little, we learn our way into it as we participate. Whether you are newly exploring or looking for recognizable and accessible Jewish tradition, there will be depths to sound and variations to delight in.

To participate in person:

Shir Tikvah follows current guidance from the Oregon Health Authority regarding mask mandates and other aspects of social gatherings. Masks are currently optional (as of March 19, 2022), but highly recommended. You'll see many people wearing masks when not eating, drinking, or presenting. In addition:

- Vaccination and boosters required for all eligible individuals attending in person. If you are unable to be vaccinated, please join us online.
- Please stay home if you are exhibiting signs of illness.
- Health authorities recommend high-quality masks, equivalent to an N95. 
- Respect individuals' needs for social distancing.

We all take seriously the mitzvah of pikuakh nefesh, or saving a life. Thank you for your diligence in ensuring the health of each and all of us through observing our safety protocols.

To participate online:

Members, you will find the Zoom links in the My Account section of this website.

Guests, you can email the office to register for zoom links. (Please email us by the close of business Thursday to make sure we can get back to you before Shabbat.)

Our Shabbat morning services take place every week at the Eastside Jewish Commons (2420 NE Sandy Blvd), immediately following Torah Study. We begin at 10:30am, and typically conclude between 12:30 and 1pm.

Our services are firmly egalitarian, with people of all genders contributing to all parts of the service. Davvening at Shir Tikvah is joyous, participatory, and eclectic: our Shabbat observance draws on traditional liturgy with familiar tunes and brings in modern elements that reflect our 21st-century context. Most prayers and songs are in Hebrew, and our siddur includes transliteration. The atmosphere is welcoming and informal: kids come in and out; community members step up alongside our Rabbi to lead, chant Torah (on the triennial cycle) and Haftarah, and engage in discussion; and we endeavor together to create a meaningful and restful Shabbat.

After davvening, join us for kiddush: enjoy some grape juice or wine and challah and say hello.

Contact the Gabbai if you have any questions about our services, or if would like to request an aliyah in advance.

Members: visit the Sign Ups for Shabbat page (in the login-only section) to sign up to lead, chant, or offer a d'var.

Our Weekday Minyan meets Mondays and Wednesdays at noon on zoom for a mincha service.

This is our weekday opportunity to pray, support those who are in mourning and need to recite kaddish, and to check in with our community. All are welcome!

The minkha service is short; it includes Ashrei, a silent weekday Amidah, Takhanun when applicable, and Aleinu.

We use the daily siddur "By The Shore of a Western Sea" by Miles Hochstein for our weekday minyan. Contact Rabbi Ariel to request a copy or order directly here.

For services on other weekdays, see our list of community resources in the greater Portland area.

During the time of Covid-19:
  - A Prayer for Healing (newly added to the 4th edition of our siddur)
  - A Takkanah (rabbinical ruling for extraordinary circumstances)

For general ongoing learning:
  - Learn more about the Shabbat Prayer Ritual at My Jewish Learning
  - Jewish Literacy with Rabbi Ariel: 613 Questions and Counting, an interactive blog