Our Services
Our service is a lovely mixture of traditional and contemporary, where we try to find a happy medium to suit our congregation. On Friday night we enjoy a lively service mixing traditional and modern tunes. On Shabbat mornings and the first morning of each Festival, as well as both days Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, the Choir accompanies the service, singing classic and new pieces from the repertoire. A delicious and social Kiddush follows each service.
We call to the Torah and allocate other honours during the service to members, guests and visitors marking special occasions. We also hold special services on weekdays including the annual Law Service pictured above.
Our efficient and friendly Gabbai looks after these arrangements, working with the Ministers and Executive. Rabbi Yakov Richter is our expert Torah Reader. We announce and celebrate or commemorate each occasion from the Bimah. The Rabbi gives an informative and engaging sermon each week, and if we are marking a lifecycle event, such as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or Aufruf, he addresses his remarks to the celebration and the family. When we read from two Torah scrolls (Rosh Chodesh and Festivals), one is also carried in the Ladies’ Gallery by a female member of the congregation, to mark a special occasion. Each week the Prayer for the Congregation is read at the end of the service by a female member of the congregation to mark a special occasion. We also invite two women to open the Ark at this time.
Times of Service
Please note: all weekday minyanim are currently being confirmed by WhatsApp and only take place when confirmed. To join the Shacharit and/or Mincha groups, please contact the office.
Monday and Thursday mornings | 7.00am |
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings | 7.15am |
Rosh Chodesh, Chol HaMoed, Selichot, Minor Fasts | 6:45am |
Weekday Mincha, confirmed by Whatsapp | 1:15pm |
Friday and Festival evenings | 5.30pm |
Shabbat and Festival mornings | 8:45am |
Shabbat Mincha | After Kiddush during the winter (non-daylight saving) |
High Holidays | Click here to see our calendar |
Shabbatot
Each year The Great Synagogue has special Shabbatot to honour women, volunteers, HSC students, and pre Bar and Bat Mitzvah students through the Jewish Enrichment Program, among others. There are Shabbatot to mark Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and others to honour community organisations such as WIZO , the United Israel Appeal and the Jewish Communal Appeal.
Check our calendar for dates of these special shabbatot.
Friday Night Recordings
Recordings of some of the tunes we use on Friday Night, by Rabbi Phil Kaplan. For transliterations of the prayers, please click here