The Shabbat Prayers

On Shabbat we read the entire Torah portion for that week. For this week's Torah Portion click here.

We also add the Musaf Amidah (silent prayer), which is an additional short service which commemorates the Shabbat sacrifices in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

In many communities it is customary to sing the Anim Zimirot, the Hymn of Glory. This prayer is often led by a young member of the congregation. In many synagogues the service concludes with the Adon Olam, when all children are invited up to the front of the room to lead the singing of this hymn.

The prayers are usually chanted with traditional melodies, most of which are centuries old, and are considered to have mystical significance.