Every Shabbat at 10:00 a.m. (for the past 30 years!) 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 bar/bat mitzvah in a Minyan service.

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.

Become a Minyan Volunteer

Volunteer to read Torah, haftarah or give the d’var Torah in our friendly, supportive lay-lead Shabbat Morning Minyan Service. Do it to celebrate a simcha, or just because you’ve always wanted to, but haven’t had the opportunity. Rabbi/Cantor Arlene Bernstein is happy to coach anyone who wants to learn how to chant. Contact Susan Hutchison 858-535-1111, ext. 2522.

To watch the Minyan services on YouTube, click below.

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, contact Gordon Glenn.

Watch the 25th Anniversary Minyan video Here


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.


View upcoming Minyan Worship dates on the Worship Schedule