Our Shabbat liturgy is a rich collection of religious poetry, of deep yearnings of the heart, of individual and communal hopes and dreams for this world. Experience the joy of Shabbat as we bring the siddur to life. Engage in deep self-reflection, meaningful prayer and uplifting song! Join Rabbi Alex in Gottlieb Auditorium for this 90-minute alternative wellness service every month. 

What can you expect from a Kavvvanah Minyan service?

• Kavvanah Minyan is an intimate and interactive service that brings people together from across the Cleveland Jewish community — all are welcome. (A kids’ play/pray space is set up in the room for any families who want to join us!)

• As you come in, grab the handouts from the welcome table, and then come inside for a refreshing cup of coffee/tea, available throughout the service. Peruse the art, introduce yourself to a neighbor, and find a seat!

• We begin with a niggun, a wordless melody.

• Pesukei D’Zimra (introductory prayers): We engage in a gratitude exercise based on Birkot Hashachar (traditional blessings of the morning), followed by different prayers to melodies both old and new. We conclude Pesukei D’Zimra with a mindfulness practice, inspired by Nishmat Kol Chai (a prayer that uplifts breath as a vehicle for praise)

• Shacharit (morning prayer service): We recite and sing the core prayers (Shema, Amidah, and the blessings around them)

• Torah Service: We engage in chevruta study — looking at passages from the weekly Torah portion in small groups, discussing their meaning and connection to our lives. We discuss as a group, and then we conclude our Torah Service with a prayer for healing.

• Musaf: As Musaf is literally an “additional” offering of prayers (and historically, sacrifices), we turn to alternative readings, poems, and art based on the theme of Kavvanah Minyan that day. We conclude services with Aleinu, Mourner’s Kaddish, and Adon Olam.