Ruach Service

Congregation Beit Tikvah offers a Ruach Service the first Friday of every month. It is through-sung without announcements, and punctuated by selected kavanot or stories, often from the Hasidic or contemplative strands of the tradition. The service is built on the deep structure of the Kabbalat Shabbat and ma'ariv/ evening service, refracted through a Reconstructionist lens, and expressed through music.

The model was inspired by our Immediate Past President, Ira Greene. A passionate Reconstructionist and a shul-hopper on his travels, he visited the renown Manhattan synagogues B'nai Jeshurun, and wondered if Beit Tikvah could offer such a music-driven Kabbalat Shabbat. Ira's initiative led to the launching of the monthly Ruach service, now beginning its fourth season.

At B'nai Jeshurun and other inspiring congregations like the Carlebach Shul, in havurot across the denominational spectrum, and in our own affiliates, the role of music is understood as central. By reaching us beyond the places words can touch, music is a major factor in the appreciation of, and connection with, the prayer service.

May you take delight in listening or singing, sitting or dancing, and taking yourselves into the ruach.

Please view our calendar to find out when the next Ruach service will be held. Please click here to explore the variety of other services offered at Beit Tikvah.

Michael Raitzyk is a founding member of Charm City Klezmer and performs regularly with his jazz trio at various Baltimore venues. Elizabeth Bolton, a former opera singer, has served as Congregation Beit Tikvah's rabbi since 1999.