Religious Services
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 women may be called to the Torah as well as men.
There is no dress code at Kol Chai, although men are expected to cover their heads and to wear a tallit if called to the bimah. 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 for those that wish. Two hours in a synagogue service can be a little stressful for a young child!
At Kol Chai we have a strong members choir that leads 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 building – 434 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Middx HA5 4RG
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 a 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-service during which we try to involve children to a
greater extent than for other services.
If there is a 5th Friday in the month, the service that week will be followed by a ‘Chavurah atyle’ meal. Particpants 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
On the 1st Shabbat of every month, we hold a special birthday kiddush for children that celebrated birthdays during the previous month.
Tot’s Shabbat
On the first Shabbat morning of every month we run a special service for
children under 6. This starts at 9.30 and finishes in time for the main
service, when our crèche is available for those families who wish to make use
of it.
