Our          Synagogue       Services

Wessex LJC organises synagogue services in central Bournemouth on alternate weeks throughout the Jewish Year.  In addition, almost all festivals are celebrated as well as the High Holy Days.  Our Rabbi, Miri Lawrence, takes an Erev Shabbat Friday evening service and a Saturday Shabbat morning service one weekend a month.  Miri always has a thought provoking sermon - sometimes this leads to an engaging two way discussion.  Then our lay leader, Nat, takes a Saturday service every month.  He also gives a thoughtful commentary on the Sedra for that week which is discussed in the service. 

We use the Liberal Siddur for regular synagogue services and the Liberal Machzor for High Holy Days.  Music accompanies almost all our services from our Choir Leader, Flora or using recorded music organised by our Council Member David.  Our services are very participative. In addition to reading together, many of our prayers, Torah and Haftarah blessings and the Haftarah passage are read by individual members.  Reading the Torah Blessings is always an honour.  

Every Saturday service includes Yahrzeit prayers and Kaddish for Community Members who have passed away. Relatives and friends who have passed on are also remembered and honoured.  Kaddish is said each year on the anniversary of the death.  We say the prayer as a community because none of us is alone in mourning. 

The Friday evening service is always followed  with a discussion and  a Shabbat meal.  On Saturdays, we have a Kiddush and a buffet meal.  At Wessex our synagogue services are always social occasions!