Every Sunday morning at 9 AM, we gather in the Mirkin Chapel for a morning service. People come to pray, to see friends, to mark the anniversary of a loved one's passing (yahrzeit), and to connect during the early stages of grief after a close relative's death. The atmosphere is informal, the dress code is casual (jeans are common), and there is a strong sense of camaraderie. We use the Siddur Sim Shalom for Weekdays prayerbook, and the service lasts about 45 minutes.

In addition to wearing a tallit (prayer shawl) during this service, many wear tefillin. Tefillin are a set of boxes that are wrapped around one's forehead and arm using leather straps. The boxes contain small scrolls with four sets of verses from the Torah that discuss the wearing of tefillin. In Deuteronomy 6:8, God instructs the Jewish people to "bind them as a sign on your hand, and let them serve as frontlets between your eyes." For thousands of years since, Jews have been wearing tefillin when they pray.

If you have never worn tefillin, Sunday Minyan regulars will be happy to show you how with one of Sinai's many extra sets. Or, join us for the "World Wide Wrap" on the first Sunday morning in February for in-depth learning with Rabbi Berkenwald.