Tzemach Service
The clue is in the name: ‘Tzemach’ is Hebrew for ‘growth’, as reflected in the minyan’s slogan: ‘Let My People Grow’. Our mission is to provide a warm, welcoming and forward-thinking space within our community to increase grassroots participation in and leadership of our most beloved services and educational content. Tzemach exists to increase understanding of, connection with and participation in the tefillah/prayer experience.
The new-look Tzemach minyan will meet monthly (with a few exceptions), following a 3-month cycle:
Months 1 & 2: Explanation & Education
9:50 am: Quick kiddush and a bite to eat in the community foyer
10:00 am: Peer-led Parsha insights – short ideas delivered by different people each month to shed light on the Torah portion.
10:30 am: NEW – Tzemach Satellites. Choose from one of three options to explore in small groups:
- Siddur Satnav (mixed).
- Find the service difficult to follow? Can’t keep up with the Chazan? Unfamiliar with the prayers?
In this track, Rabbi Zeidman shares a wealth of experience in helping people to navigate the service, understand what we do and why we do it, and gain confidence reading the prayers. Suitable for all ages and all backgrounds.
- Learn 2 Lein (men)
- Always wanted to have a go at leining or reading the haftorah but don’t know where to start?In this track, Laurence Gordon draws on years of experience to build a framework of hints, tips and good practice for those who want to ‘take the plunge’ and learn how to lein and read the haftorah. Suitable for all ages and all backgrounds. No prior experience is needed. This track will provide a broad introduction to the world of leining, with the scope to provide more bespoke 1-2-1 support for those who want to put theory into practice, further down the line.
- DIY D’var Torah (mixed)
- Passionate about education and sharing ideas but not sure where to look or how to present?
In this track, Rabbi Eli brings his inimitable style as an interactive educator to guide participants in how Divrei Torah (Torah thoughts) is constructed, which questions to ask and where to find answers and general guidance in speaking and presentation skills. It is suitable for all ages and backgrounds.
11:00 am: In-depth Prayer
- Each month, Rabbi Eli will select a different prayer, which we will examine and read together, delving into its history, significance, and meaning.
Month 3: Experience & Empowerment
09:30 am: Shacharit service, from ‘Shochein Ad’, per our ‘Chazan rota’.
09:50 am: The weekly Torah reading, divided per our ‘Leyning rota’.
10:45 am: Kiddush and D’var Torah per our ‘DT Rota’.
11:15 am: Regular Mussaf service
Under the direction of Rabbi Eli, our vision is for Tzemach to become a space open to everyone, the beating heart of high-energy and innovative engagement and learning at the core of our community, with the aim that congregants who progress through Tzemach’s various experiences and opportunities will go on to take on proactive roles both in the main shul and across the wider community. We will do this by supporting you through your journey, irrespective of whatever level you are currently at.
‘Let my people grow’ is therefore not just a cute strapline; it sums up everything this new space will be about: Personal growth as a conduit to community growth.
Tzemach seeks to continue and further enhance Limmud’s emphasis on women’s participation; by drastically expanding the scope for insights and explanations of the core prayers, we have simultaneously increased the opportunity for female participants to seize the initiative and take a leading role in education and inspiration.
Our Chazan Johnny Turgel has already listed recordings of several sections of Davening alongside some of the beautiful melodies he uses during different services, and more are being prepared. Tzemach is not an all-or-nothing experience. We recognise that everyone needs to start somewhere, so start with one prayer at a time!
Suitable for all ages and all backgrounds, Tzemach provides the skillset, support, and confidence to our participants to grow their ability to:
- Understand the deeper meaning and significance of our core prayers.
- Inspire others with Jewish insights and explanations.
- Read and translate Hebrew with fluency.
- Navigate the service and siddur, including the ‘how, what and whens’.
- Lead the service.
- Read from the Torah and Haftorah.
- Direct the service as warden/shamash.