by Jonina Duker
Once each month of the secular calendar (except August) you’ll find this great combination of observances at Beth El: Shabbat Mincha, Seudah Shlishit, Ma'ariv, & Havdalah Services, sponsored by Mens Club.
The total duration is under 2 hours. Attendance has ranged from 20– 40 people; nonmembers are welcome. The Mincha service starts 15 – 30 minutes before the specific candle-lighting time for the beginning of that Shabbat (candle-lighting time for the beginning of Shabbat is 18 minutes before sunset). Mincha is followed by a light meal (the Seudah Shlishit). After the meal someone teaches a drash, a bit of Torah, in an informal way with discussion. The darshan (discussion leader) is assigned in advance. Then we sing some Hebrew songs and the grace after meals. This is followed by the Ma’ariv service, at least 25 minutes after sundown to ensure that the brief but warm Havdalah service occurs at the right time.
The Shabbat Mincha has its own nusach (the tunes used to sing the prayers) and a CD of Hazzan Lubin chanting the service is available for those who would like to learn it. The parasha (the section of the Torah being read) for the next Shabbat is read because Jews have the custom of always looking forward to the upcoming Shabbat. The parsha is divided into 3 aliyot (3 people given the honor of being called up to the Torah). Since the service is informal and there are only 3 aliyot, we often follow the common Conservative-movement custom for this service of calling up any Jew over b’nai mitzvah age for the first 2 aliyot which enables us to honor those who are there for a particular reason (ending a time of mourning, a yahrzeit, celebrating a life cycle event). There is no haftarah read. “El Moleh Rachamim” is recited upon request for those who have a yahrzeit in the upcoming week.
All services are led by volunteers. The shaliach tzibur (person leading the service) and the Torah readers are assigned in advance. A volunteer gabbai (learned person to check that the Torah reader is correct in the reading) is requested on the spot. The honors of the 3 aliyot, hagbah (lifting the Torah), and gelilah (dressing the Torah) are assigned on the spot. Special thanks go to David Levine who shops for food; Jon Stone who brings wine when he comes; and Sarah Shapiro who brings cream soda when she comes.
The Ma’ariv is the familiar evening service, led by a volunteer. There is a custom for one who has finished a period of mourning to lead this service. Havdalah is a joyful way of starting the new week. The honor of holding the Havdalah candle is often given to the youngest person present.