Congregation Children of Israel is a Reform congregation and we worship according to the Reform liturgy. Services are held every Friday evening at 8 PM in our main sanctuary. We use the Gates of Prayer which is the prayer book of the Reform movement. From time to time, in order to renew our historic association with Reform Judaism, we use the classic Union prayer book.

The service is led by Rabbi Gerson, who gives sermons as part of the service. Approximately once a month, he leads a discussion forum concerning topics relevant to Judaism. A few times a year there is an "Ask the Rabbi" question and answer session. In addition, on a monthly basis we have a family service in which one of the religious school classes leads the worship. During these family services, the Rabbi tells a story to the children of the Congregation and blesses the birthday children for the month.

Whenever there is a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah student leads both the Friday night service and the following Saturday morning service when the formal ceremony is held.

There are a host of other special services during the year, including: Boy Scout Shabbat, Girl Scout Shabbat, Youth Group Shabbat, Sisterhood Shabbat, New Member Shabbat and Teacher Appreciation Shabbat. In addition there is a yearly special service of Holocaust Remembrance that occurs around the anniversary of Kristallnacht in 1938. During this service, we use our Holocaust Torah which was rescued from the fires of Nazi Germany.

We are also very proud that on a monthly basis, our volunteer Temple Choir augments the service with their singing. Furthermore, whenever possible, volunteer instrumentalists of the Temple participate in the service.

On the first Saturday of the month from November through May, the Rabbi leads a Torah study session. The Torah portion for that week is discussed and the session is concluded with an informal worship service.

The high point of the worship schedule is our High Holiday services. Services are held on Erev Rosh Hashanah and on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, a more informal service is held. Yom Kippur services are held on Erev Yom Kippur, and on Yom Kippur, morning, afternoon and a memorial service are held.

Tot Shabbat services are held one Friday a month in one of the religious school classrooms.  These informal services are designed for young children and their families.  We sing, pray, dance and in general enjoy the spirit of Shabbat.  Often the services are preceded by a pot luck dinner.  For more information, please contact Marilyn Gootman gootman@bellsouth.net  706-549-4338.

On the second Friday of the month, an early service for young families is held in the sanctuary.  For more information, please contact the temple at 706-549-4192.

Any questions concerning our worship service or schedule can be easily answered by calling the Congregation Children of Israel office at (706) 549-4192 or by email to AthensTemple@BellSouth.net.