About our services

At Kol Chai we aim to make our services as inclusive as possible. Everyone is encouraged to participate, though everyone is also free to pray quietly. We use the Movement for Reform Judaism Siddur and operate a reasonably traditional custom, with the majority of our service undertaken in Hebrew. Men and women participate equally and both may be called to the Torah.

There is no dress code at Kol Chai, although men are expected to cover their heads and to wear a tallit. Women may do so too if they wish, but they are not obliged to.  Children are welcome at all of our services. For younger children (under 6) we offer a crèche during all Shabbat morning services. Two hours in a synagogue service can be a little stressful for a young child!

At Kol Chai we have an enthusiastic choir of members and they lead the singing during our festival services and whenever we have a bar or bat mitzvah. The choir is always happy to welcome new members.

We look forward to seeing you at our services and welcoming you to Kol Chai.

Times & places
With the exception of the High Holydays, all our services take place in our Synagogue

Our services are at the following times:
Friday evening
Erev Shabbat services begin at 7.00 pm and usually last about 35-45 minutes. The service is followed by kiddush. The services follow a pattern during each month:
• 1st Friday – 'Shiru L'adonai' (Songs to the Lord). This is a song based service during which we often introduce tunes that are either new or not often used at Kol Chai. Musical instruments are sometimes used during this service.
• 2nd Friday – The service is accompanied by a short discussion on a chosen topic, related either to the service or to the Torah reading for that week.
• 3rd Friday – Kol Chai b'Yachad (Kol Chai together). This is a slightly 'alternative' service during which we may introduce some alternative readings not found in the siddur.
• 4th Friday – Family service. This is slightly shorter than normal and we try to involve children – but everyone is welcome..

Oneg Shabbat
If there is a 5th Friday in the month, the service that week will be followed by a 'Chavurah style' meal. Participants should bring a main course and/or dessert or salad for sharing with others. All food should be meat-free (fish, dairy, and vegetarian are all acceptable).

Shabbat morning services
Shabbat services begin at 10.30 am.

Children's Services
On the first Shabbat of every month there are additional services suitable for children up to Bar/Bat Mitzvah and on the first Shabbat of every month, we hold a special Birthday Kiddush for children who have celebrated birthdays during the previous month.

Tots' Shabbat: informal and interactive Shabbat fun for the under 5's with singing, stories and Kiddush

On the first Shabbat morning of every month we hold a special service for children under 6. This starts at 9.30 am and finishes in time for the main service, when our crèche is available for those families who wish to make use of it. Members and non-members are welcome, so do bring along a friend.

Breakfast Shiur
On the second Shabbat of each month there is a discussion on a theme, led by Rabbi Hilton, at 9.15 am. A light breakfast is provided.