During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are conducting most of our services and other events on Zoom. There are links below to join our current events and to view videos of past events. Click here for information on how to use Zoom. Click here for information on the pandemic and our congregation's response.

Torah Study
Our weekly Shabbat morning Torah study on Saturday mornings at 10 AM is a chance to learn and discuss what Jewish tradition has to say to us in today's world. We explore issues of ethics, spirituality, history, philosophy and more. No knowledge of Hebrew or previous background in Torah study is needed or expected. Click here to download today's study sheet.

Shabbat Torah Reading Service
On the first and third Saturday of each month, we have a Zoom service for reading the Torah. Our next Torah reading service will be on Saturday, May 15th at 11AM. Join us as we recite the traditional prayers and hear the words of Torah. The service also includes prayers for healing and the Mourners Kaddish in remembrance of those who have died in recent days and those who have died in past years at this season.

Religious School
The Religious School will meet on Zoom for the last time this year on  Sunday, May 16 at 9AM. 

Tikkun Leil Shavuot
On Sunday, May 16, we will celebrate the festival of Shavuot with a Tikkun, a vigil of study in remembrance of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. This year, we will focus on the Ten Commandments and what the story of revelation says about the nature of God and God's laws. We'll start on Zoom at 9PM and go as late as we are able. Stay for as much as you like!

Yizkor Service
On the Festival of Shavuot, May 17, at 11:00 AM, we will have a Yizkor service. Yizkor is the memorial service that occurs four times a year to remember departed loved ones. Join us to remember and to support members of our community as they remember the people they cannot forget.

Raymond Buttero Zoom Concerts
​​Temple Sinai's keyboard accompanist Raymond Buttero offers piano concerts on Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3PM.

Friday Morning Meditation 
Start your day with focus and relaxation as Rabbi Goldwasser leads a 30-minute morning meditation that includes reflections on Jewish wisdom and mindfulness. Enter the Zoom meditation room on Friday mornings at 10 AM. No prior experience in meditation is necessary or expected.

Friday Evening Shabbat Service 
On the Shabbat that precedes Shavuot – the Festival of the Giving of the Torah – Rabbi Jeff will talk about what Torah means to us today and what our children should know about what it can mean for them. Join us this and every Friday at 6PM for our Shabbat service as we sing and pray together as a community.

Religious School End-of-Year Picnic​​
We're ending our year of virtual Religious School with an in-person event. On Sunday, May 23, we'll gather on the lawn at Temple Sinai for a picnic provided by the Temple's Brotherhood. There will be a pizza lunch for students and their families, outdoor games and recognition for our wonderful teachers. Bring a picnic blanket and beach chairs. We're looking forward to seeing you in person!

Panel Discussion on Grief and Loss
Temple Sinai's Kesher Worker, Shana Prohofsky, and her colleague Tara Watkins will facilitate a panel discussion, "The Changing Face of Grief and Loss During the Pandemic: For Those Experiencing Loss and Those Who Wish to Support Them," with Rabbi Michael Fel, Margaret Wool, Ph.D., LICSW, and Susie Adler, CDP. Monday, May 24, at 7 PM. Use the link to register.

Jews & Palestinians at the Movies
How are Israeli Jews and Palestinians portrayed in popular culture? How do they see themselves? Dr. Marvin Wasser will lead discussions of five award-winning films that depict Jews and Palestinians in Israel and the territories, representing a variety of perspectives and styles. Watch the movies on Amazon Prime (rental fee required) and join us on five Thursdays at 7PM to talk about them. On Thursday, May 25, we'll discuss Tel Aviv on Fire, the story Salam, an inexperienced Palestinian production assistant, who becomes a writer on a popular soap opera after a chance meeting with an Israeli soldier. It's a cheerful comedic satire that was a hit at the Venice Film Festival.

Havdalah
Our next Zoom Havdalah, now on the second Saturday of each month, will be on Saturday, June 12 at 8PM. Join us as we share the blessings for the conclusion of Shabbat and spend time together as a community. If you have a havdalah set – a braided candle, spices and a cup of wine – bring them to our gathering. Or, you can just follow the rabbi and cantor as they lead the blessings. Our theme for this Mother's Day Weekend is, of course, our moms!

Golf Tournament
On Monday, August 23, Valley Country Club in Warwick will be the home of the Sixth Annual Temple Sinai Golf Classic. Put together a foursome and join us for this special event. Enjoy this opportunity to see your Temple friends in person in a safe environment. We'll practice social distancing and enjoy an outdoor breakfast and lunch. Click here to register.

Click here for recordings of past events

Worship

The best way for you to get to know us is to attend a Shabbat service on any Friday night or Saturday morning. Our worship is joyful, spiritual, and musical. Check our calendar for service times. Our Friday services are often followed by an Oneg reception. We celebrate lifecycle events like b'nei mitzvah with excitement and fun. Our holidays are a time of meaning and broad participation. We're saving a seat for you.

Learning

All of us, children and adults, learn in education programs centered on Judaism as a personal living experience. Your child can enter our Religious School as early as Kindergarten. Our students celebrate become b'nei mitzvah at age 13. Tenth graders learn in our Confirmation class. Come to our breakfast and lively adult Torah study before the morning service every Saturday morning.

Community

As a newcomer to Temple Sinai, you will be warmly welcomed. Our Sisterhood and Brotherhood sponsor congregational gatherings, like the Onegs that follow many evening services. You are welcome to join our volunteer chorus, Shireinu, which sings at Shabbat services on special occasions. Your children can join our CRAFTY youth groups for fun activities for middle school and high school students.

Clergy

In 2014, the congregation welcomed Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser. Rabbi Jeff is our spiritual leader, our counselor, and our friend. Cantor Deborah Johnson joined us in 2016. Her beautiful voice and exuberance fill our sanctuary with joy.

Social Action

We make the wisdom of Judaism relevant to the world today by taking action on current issues. We encourage you to join our "Prayer is Not Enough" network to receive action alerts on issues in Rhode Island and the world.

Membership

Judaism is not a spectator sport. To be a Jew is to be part of a Jewish community. When you join Temple Sinai you become part of a warm and vibrant community – and you become a member of our Temple family.