Join Our Virtual Minyan

Join us for daily virtual minyanim rooted in Sephardic tradition and inclusive community.

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Why Join Sephardic U

Joining Sephardic U’s virtual minyan can be an excellent way to fulfill your spiritual needs while staying connected to a Jewish community. With the rise of online platforms and video conferencing tools, it has never been easier to participate in a virtual minyan from the comfort of your own home, office or on the road.

By joining our virtual minyan, you can take advantage of the many benefits that come with group prayer, including a sense of unity and communal support. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with fellow worshippers from all over the world, expanding your network and building lasting relationships.

Whether you’re unable to attend in-person services or simply looking for a more convenient way to participate, a virtual minyan can be a valuable addition to your spiritual practice. So why wait? Join our virtual minyan today and experience the many benefits for yourself!

A virtual minyan is a group of people who come together for prayer, study, or other Jewish communal activities through an online platform. The word “minyan” refers to the traditional quorum of ten Jewish adults required for certain prayer services and other religious rituals.

In the context of a virtual minyan, participants can join from anywhere in the world using video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype. Virtual minyanim have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among those who are unable to attend in-person services due to geographical, physical, or other limitations.

While virtual minyanim cannot fully replace the experience of in-person prayer, they offer a valuable alternative for those who wish to stay connected to their Jewish community and maintain their spiritual practice.

 
 

A virtual minyan, or a prayer gathering conducted through an online platform, offers many benefits to those who wish to participate in communal worship. In this essay, we will explore some of the key benefits of a virtual minyan and why it may be a beneficial option for individuals seeking to connect with their faith community.

  1. Accessibility: A virtual minyan allows individuals who may not have access to a physical minyan due to geographical or physical barriers to participate in communal prayer. Whether someone is homebound, living in a remote area, or traveling, a virtual minyan enables them to connect with their faith community and participate in communal worship. This level of accessibility is especially important for individuals with mobility issues or those who are unable to travel to a physical minyan.

  2. Inclusivity: Virtual minyanim promote inclusivity by providing a more welcoming environment for individuals who may not feel comfortable in traditional minyanim due to factors such as gender, sexual orientation, or religious practice. Virtual minyanim allow for more open communication and interaction, and can foster a sense of community and belonging for all participants.

  3. Flexibility: Virtual minyanim can be held at different times and locations to accommodate the schedules of participants. This level of flexibility makes it easier for individuals to participate in communal prayer, as they can choose a time that works best for them. This can encourage more individuals to participate in prayer and can help build a stronger sense of community among participants.

  4. Innovation: A virtual minyan provides an opportunity for innovative approaches to prayer and worship. By using technology, virtual minyanim can create a more engaging and interactive worship experience, using multimedia elements such as virtual backgrounds, music, and interactive features. This can enhance the spiritual experience of participants and provide a fresh perspective on traditional prayer practices.

  5. Resilience: Virtual minyanim offer a means of maintaining a sense of community and continuity during times of crisis or uncertainty, such as during a pandemic, when physical gatherings may not be possible. Virtual minyanim enable individuals to maintain their connection to their faith community and engage in communal worship even during challenging times, providing comfort and support for participants.

In conclusion, a virtual minyan offers many benefits to individuals seeking to connect with their faith community and participate in communal worship. From accessibility to inclusivity, flexibility, innovation, and resilience, a virtual minyan provides a meaningful and enriching experience for participants. Whether you are unable to attend a physical minyan or are seeking a more inclusive and engaging worship experience, a virtual minyan may be the perfect solution for you.

Sephardic Jewry is inclusive in its approach to Jewish life, recognizing and embracing the diversity of the Jewish people. Sephardic Jews have a long history of living in and interacting with different cultures and communities, and this has influenced their approach to Judaism in a number of ways.

One aspect of Sephardic inclusivity is linguistic. Sephardic Jews have developed a rich tradition of Jewish literature and prayer in a variety of languages, including Hebrew, Ladino, Arabic, and other local languages. This diversity of language reflects the diversity of the Sephardic world and allows for a broader range of people to connect with Jewish texts and traditions.

Another aspect of Sephardic inclusivity is cultural. Sephardic Jews have a unique blend of Jewish and non-Jewish cultural traditions that are integrated into their practice of Judaism. These traditions include music, food, and art, which are often shared and enjoyed by both Sephardic and non-Sephardic Jews.

Sephardic inclusivity also extends to the role of women in the community. While Sephardic halakha generally follows traditional gender roles, Sephardic communities have a long history of empowering women to take on leadership roles and play active roles in the community.

Overall, Sephardic inclusivity is about creating a space where everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, feels welcome and valued within the Jewish community. It is about recognizing and embracing the diversity that exists within the Jewish people and using it to create a vibrant and inclusive community.

According to Jewish law and tradition, there are differing opinions on the permissibility of a virtual minyan.

Some rabbis and halakhic authorities argue that a virtual minyan is permissible because the essence of a minyan is the gathering of ten individuals for the purpose of prayer and communal worship, regardless of their physical location. They argue that since virtual minyanim allow for the gathering of ten individuals for prayer and worship, they fulfill the requirement for a minyan.

Other rabbis and halakhic authorities, however, argue that a virtual minyan is not permissible because a minyan requires a physical gathering of ten individuals in the same space. They argue that the use of technology to facilitate a virtual gathering is not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of a minyan.

Virtual Prayers Yes

Read: Virtual Prayers? Yes!

It is important to note that the permissibility of a virtual minyan may vary depending on the circumstances and context in which it is being conducted. Some rabbis may permit a virtual minyan in certain situations, such as during a pandemic when physical gatherings may not be possible, while others may not permit it under any circumstances.

Ultimately, the decision to participate in a virtual minyan should be made in consultation with one’s rabbi or halakhic authority, based on their individual beliefs and interpretations of Jewish law and tradition.

The philosophy of Sephardic Jewry is a rich and diverse set of beliefs, values, and practices that have developed over centuries of Jewish life in the Sephardic world. At its core, Sephardic philosophy emphasizes the integration of Jewish tradition with the broader cultural and intellectual currents of the surrounding society. Sephardic Jews have a deep respect for knowledge and education, and view the pursuit of wisdom and understanding as an essential part of their religious and intellectual heritage.

Sephardic philosophy also places a strong emphasis on communal life and social justice. Sephardic Jews believe in the importance of building strong and vibrant communities, and in working to improve the world around them through acts of kindness, charity, and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Another important aspect of Sephardic philosophy is the centrality of Sephardic halakha (Jewish law) and the guidance of Sephardic rabbis. Sephardic Jews place great importance on the teachings of their rabbis, who provide guidance and support in all aspects of Jewish life.

Overall, the philosophy of Sephardic Jewry is a dynamic and evolving tradition that is rooted in the wisdom and experience of generations of Sephardic Jews. It combines a deep respect for tradition with a willingness to engage with the wider world, and reflects the values of compassion, justice, and community that are central to the Jewish faith.

Shacharit (morning service) ~30 minutes
Join us via Zoom each weekday morning for Shacharit services. If you have them, bring your tefillin and tallit. You can follow along online or with our siddur. Services begin promptly and take about 30 minutes.

Torah reading – We read the Torah during Shacharit (morning) services, each Monday, Thursday and Rosh Hodesh (the new month). If you’d like to participate or have an Aliyah, please fill out our Prayer Request form.

Arvit (evening service) ~15 minutes
Wind down your weekday and Sunday evenings and join us for Arvit prayer service. Prayers only take 15 minutes. 

Check the calendar for times and links >

RESOURCES

Before reading the Torah:
הַשֵּׁם עִמָּכֶם. יְבָרֶכְךָ הַשֵּׁם.

 .בָּרְכוּ אֶת יְהֹוָה הַמְּבֹרָךְ .בָּרוּךְ יְהֹוָה הַמְּבֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד .בָּרוּךְ יְהֹוָה הַמְּבֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר בָּחַר בָּנוּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים וְנָתַן לָנוּ אֶת תּוֹרָתוֹ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה, נוֹתֵן הַתּוֹרָה:  אמן.

After reading the Torah:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לָנוּ אֶת תּוֹרָתוֹ תּוֹרַת אֱמֶת, וְחַיֵּי עוֹלָם נָטַע בְּתוֹכֵנוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה, נוֹתֵן הַתּוֹרָה: אמן.
Beracha recited before the reading of the Haftara:
Mourner’s Kaddish (Kaddish Yatom), traditionally said by mourners––that is, those who have lost a parent during the previous eleven months or a child, sibling, or spuce during the last thirty days––and by those observing the anniversary of the death of those close relatives. (In many contemporary communities, the full congregation says it in support of the mourners, and in memory of the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust, assuming that at least one died on any given day.) The mourners Kaddish omits lines 7 and 8 of the Full Kaddish that asks God to answer our prayers, because presumably, God did not grant the mourner’s prayers that the relative recover and live).
אבל: יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא
[קהל: אמן] בְּעָלְמָא דִּי בְרָא כִרְעוּתֵהּ וְיַמְלִיךְ מַלְכוּתֵהּ בְּחַיֵּיכון וּבְיומֵיכון וּבְחַיֵּי דְכָל בֵּית יִשרָאֵל בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: [קהל: אמן] קהל ואבל: יְהֵא שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא מְבָרַךְ לְעָלַם וּלְעָלְמֵי עָלְמַיָּא אבל: יִתְבָּרַךְ וְיִשְׁתַּבַּח וְיִתְפָּאַר וְיִתְרומַם וְיִתְנַשּא וְיִתְהַדָּר וְיִתְעַלֶּה וְיִתְהַלָּל שְׁמֵהּ דְּקֻדְשָׁא. בְּרִיךְ הוּא. [קהל: בריך הוא:] לְעֵלָּא מִן כָּל בִּרְכָתָא בעשי”ת: לְעֵלָּא לְעֵלָּא מִכָּל וְשִׁירָתָא תֻּשְׁבְּחָתָא וְנֶחֱמָתָא דַּאֲמִירָן בְּעָלְמָא. וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: [קהל: אמן] יְהֵא שְׁלָמָא רַבָּא מִן שְׁמַיָּא וְחַיִּים עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשרָאֵל. וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: [קהל: אמן] עושה שָׁלום בִּמְרומָיו הוּא יַעֲשה שָׁלום עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: [קהל: אמן]

וְזֹ֖את הַתּוֹרָ֑ה אֲשֶׁר־שָׂ֣ם מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ תּוֹרָ֥ה צִוָּה־לָ֖נוּ מֹשֶׁ֑ה מוֹרָשָׁ֖ה קְהִלַּ֥ת יַעֲקֹֽב׃ הָאֵל֮ תָּמִ֢ים דַּ֫רְכּ֥וֹ אִמְרַֽת־יְהֹוָ֥ה צְרוּפָ֑ה מָגֵ֥ן ה֝֗וּא לְכֹ֤ל ׀ הַחֹסִ֬ים בּֽוֹ׃

Mi Sheberach, the Jewish prayer for healing, is one of the most meaningful prayers in Judaism. It is a public prayer or blessing for an individual or group, most often recited in synagogue when the Torah is being read. 

מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן דָּוִד וּשְׁלֹמֹה הוּא יְבָרֵךְ וִירַפֵּא אֶת (father’s name) בן (name), הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא יִמָּלֵּא רַחֲמִים עָלָיו לְהַחֲלִימוֹ וּלְרַפְּאֹתוֹ וּלְהַחֲזִיקוֹ וּלְהַחֲיוֹתוֹ, וְיִשְׁלַח לוֹ מְהֵרָה רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם לְרַמַ”ח אֵבָרָיו וּשְׁסָ”ה גִּידָיו בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר חוֹלֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, רְפוּאַת הַנֶּפֶשׁ וּרְפוּאַת הַגּוּף, הַשְׁתָּא בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב. וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן.

In the “Blessing of Thanksgiving” (Birkat HaGomel), persons in four different categories should express gratitude to God for His compassion toward them:
One who has done one of the following: a) traveled across the ocean (by an international flight, etc.); b) traversed the desert; c) recovered from a very serious illness; d) been released from prison.
All other potentially fatal circumstances that one escapes, such as a wall crumbling on him, an ox goring him, thieves, auto accidents, etc., fall under the category of desert.

The reader recites:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַגּוֹמֵל לְחַיָּבִים טוֹבוֹת שֶׁגְּמָלַנִי כָּל טוֹב.

 
The congregations responds:

מִי שֶׁגְמַלְךָ כֹּל טוֹב הוּא יִגְמַלְךָ כֹּל טוֹב סֶלָה.

Tefilat HaDerech (Hebrew: תפילת הדרך), also known as the Traveler’s Prayer or Wayfarer’s Prayer in English, is a prayer for safe travel recited by Jews when traveling by air, sea, or long car trips. It is recited at the start of every journey, preferably standing, but this is not required. It is frequently inscribed on hamsas, which may also include the Shema or Birkat HaBayit prayer.

NameSymbolSephardi
Sof passukב׃‎סוֹף פָּסֽוּק‎
Sof pasuk
Etnachtaב֑‎אַתְנָ֑ח‎
Atnaḥ
Segolב֒‎סְגוֹלְתָּא֒‎
Segolta
Shalsheletב֓‎שַׁלְשֶׁ֓לֶת‎
Šalšeleþ
Zakef katanב֔‎זָקֵף קָט֔וֹן‎
Záqéf Qáţown
Zakef gadolב֕‎זָקֵף גָּד֕וֹל‎
Záqéf Ggádowl
Tifchaב֖‎טַרְחָ֖א‎
Tarḥa
Riviaב֗‎רְבִ֗יע‎
Revia
Zarkaב֮‎זַרְקָא֮‎
Zarqa
Pashtaב֙‎קַדְמָא֙‎
Qadma
Shene pashtinב֨‎ב֙‎תְּרֵ֨י קַדְמִין֙‎
Tere qadmin
Yetivב֚‎יְ֚תִיב‎
Yetiv
Tevirב֛‎תְּבִ֛יר‎
Tviyr
Pazerב֡‎פָּזֶר גָּד֡וֹל‎
Pazer gadol
Qarne farahב֟‎קַרְנֵי פָרָ֟ה‎
Qarne farah
Telisha gedolaב֠‎תִּ֠רְצָה‎
Tirtzah
Gereshב֜‎גְּרִ֜ישׁ‎
Gerish
Gershayimב֞‎שְׁנֵי גְרִישִׁ֞ין‎
Shene gerishin
Munachב׀‎פָּסֵ֣ק׀‎
Paseq
Merchaב֥‎מַאֲרִ֥יךְ‎
Maarich
Munachב֣‎שׁוֹפָר הוֹלֵ֣ךְ‎
Shofar holech
Mahpachב֤‎‏(שׁוֹפָר) מְהֻפָּ֤ךְ‎
(Shofar) mehuppach
Dargaב֧‎דַּרְגָּ֧א‎
Ddarggá
Kadmaב֨‎אַזְלָ֨א or קַדְמָ֨א‎
Azla or Qadma[18]
Telisha ketanaב֩‎תַּלְשָׁא֩‎
Talsha
Mercha kefulaב֦‎תְּרֵי טַעֲמֵ֦י‎
Tere ta’ame
Yerach ben yomoב֪‎יֵרֶח בֶּן יוֹמ֪וֹ‎
Yeraḥ ben yomo

Spanish-Portuguese custom

זַרְקָא֮ מַקַּף־שׁוֹפָר־הוֹלֵ֣ךְ סְגוֹלְתָּא֒ פָּזֵר גָּד֡וֹל תַ֠לְשָׁא תִּ֩ילְשָׁא אַזְלָ֨א גֵּ֜רֵישׁ פָּסֵק  ׀  רָבִ֗יעַ שְׁנֵי־גֵרֵישִׁ֞ין דַּרְגָ֧א תְּבִ֛יר מַאֲרִ֥יךְ טַרְחָ֖א אַתְנָ֑ח שׁוֹפָר־מְהֻפָּ֤ךְ קַדְמָא֙ תְּרֵ֨י־קַדְמִין֙ זָקֵף־קָט֔וֹן זָקֵף־גָּד֕וֹל שַׁלְשֶׁ֓לֶת תְּרֵי־טַעֲמֵ֦י יְ֚תִיב סוֹף־פָּסֽוּק׃

Guides

Picture of Refuah Shelema

Refuah Shelema

These comforting words can be said on behalf of those who are ill.

Picture of Azkara (In Loving Memory)

Azkara (In Loving Memory)

Add loved ones to the list and we will send you a reminder each year.

Picture of Sephardic U Siddur

Sephardic U Siddur

Feel free to download our siddur or follow along in Zoom.

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