Shabbat Lay-Led Minyan Service

A group of people stand around a woman as she reads from the Torah.
An illustrated photo of a group of people standing in a circle in an open courtyard, with their arms around each other.

Informal & intimate worship

For the past 30 years, every Shabbat at 10:30 a.m. lay members of our congregation lead an informal service open to all in the Foster Family Chapel. Popularly called the Minyan Service, it features prayer, singing, and Torah discussion in a relaxed and friendly setting. There is no Minyan membership and all are welcome to worship and participate. Families looking for an intimate, haimische, and more informal setting are very welcome to celebrate a clergy-led B'nei Mitzvah in a Minyan service.

What you'll experience

Volunteers take turns leading the Minyan Service, reading Torah and delivering a Torah commentary (D'var Torah). People who have never read from the Torah or delivered a D'var Torah are invited and welcomed to do so in this supportive environment. The volunteers who coordinate the Minyan service have developed a training program to encourage participation. Several times a year, Minyan worshippers share a potluck luncheon, and at Chanukah they enjoy a white-elephant gift exchange. If you are new to Beth Israel and/or new to Judaism, you will find a warm welcome here.

A group of people gather in the CBI courtyard to participate in the Minyan Service.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteer to read Torah, haftarah or give the d'var Torah in our friendly, supportive lay-lead Shabbat Morning Minyan Service. Rabbi Arlene Bernstein, Cantor Emerita is happy to coach anyone who wants to learn how to chant. Contact Susan Hutchison at 858-535-1111, ext. 2522.

Contact the Coordinators

The volunteer coordinators of the Minyan service welcome your inquiries. To be added to the minyan participants' email list, or to volunteer to lead a service, read Torah, or do a D'var Torah, email Gordon Glenn at .

Minyan D'var Torah

Minyan D'var Torah is your opportunity to read fascinating, personal insights on the weekly Torah portion. The contributors are Beth Israel Minyan volunteers.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the D’var Torah articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Beth Israel.

Upcoming Minyan Service Schedule

Jewish Star

Installation Service of
Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch

  Friday, November 8 @ 6:15 pm

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

  Saturday, November 9 @ 9:00 am

B’nei Mitzvah Service

  Saturday, November 9 @ 10:00 am