Frequently Asked Questions

Who are you? Where are you? Why are you?

Is Kol Zimrah (KZ) affiliated with any Jewish denomination or movement?

No. KZ is an independent Jewish community composed of participants from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds. We respect each other's diverse beliefs and practices.

Where do KZ participants go when KZ isn't meeting?

Many people at KZ would agree that one Friday night a month is not sufficient to live a complete Jewish life. Therefore, many people at KZ are also involved in other Jewish communities and organizations for religious, cultural, educational, and social justice activities. Some of these are listed in our directory of NYC independent minyanim.

Who runs KZ?

We all do! Kol Zimrah is run completely by volunteers, who schedule locations months in advance, send out information by email, organize potluck dinners, buy supplies, lead services, teach Torah, and clean up the potluck at the end of the evening. KZ has no rabbi, cantor, or employees (though some of our participants have day jobs as Jewish professionals). KZ places a value on being a participatory community in which everyone takes a part in keeping the KZ community running. If you would like to get more involved, contact kolzimrah@yahoo.com .

Does KZ have membership dues?

In order to be open to everyone, particularly given the transient nature of New York City, we have no official membership or membership dues. KZ's operating expenses are covered by voluntary contributions of all sizes from people in the KZ community. The suggested yearly contribution is $36 (averaging $3/month), but all contributions are appreciated.

What siddur (prayerbook) does Kol Zimrah use?

Kol Zimrah has no "official" siddur. All are encouraged to bring their favorite siddur, and KZ provides a handout with page numbers for nine commonly used siddurim. (Email kolzimrah@yahoo.com if you would like another siddur added to this chart.) Participants bring a wide range of prayerbooks, incuding Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Reform, and nondenominational siddurim, and some participants prefer to pray without a printed text.

Who leads services at KZ?

Over 20 people have led services at KZ since we began in November 2002, and our community is always excited to have new leaders bring new music and spirit. Email kolzimrah@yahoo.com if you're interested in leading. If you've never led services before, or if you've led in other places but are looking for guidance on leading in the KZ style, someone will be happy to meet with you to go over the service.

Why is the prayer leader in the middle of the congregation?

At Kol Zimrah, the prayer leader is a part of the community. His/her role is to facilitate the members of the community in constructing their own prayer experiences, not be listened to passively or to tell the community how to pray at any particular time.

Why does KZ do the full service in Hebrew?

The prayer leader always adheres to the traditional structure of the Friday night service on a macroscopic level, and is free to use any version of the prayers on a microscopic level. Our community has a diverse set of approaches to prayer, and this structure provides individuals with maximal freedom in shaping their own prayer. Some participants say every word in Hebrew, while others read the prayers in English. Some improvise freely within the general structure, while others don't use this structure at all. In any KZ service, all of this happens simultaneously. In addition, the prayer leader is invited to include other songs (in any language)at the beginning and end of the service, and between the major sections.

I'm not sure how strong my Hebrew is. What are my options for praying at KZ?

A number of prayerbooks offer English translation and/or transliteration. For example, Siddur Chaveirim Kol Yisraeil has a line-by-line translation and transliteration, along with explanations and additional readings. Also, a transliteration of the entire service (on a single page, in very small print) is available from the greeters at KZ services. People choose to participate in many different ways, whether saying the prayers in English or using their own personal prayers.

Why don't you announce page numbers or when to sit/stand at KZ?

Kol Zimrah encourages people to pray at their own pace, and recognizes that not everyone shares the same custom of when to sit or stand. Interjections such as page numbers and stage directions can also harm the natural flow and rhythm of the service. All are invited to sing, harmonize, hum, sit, stand, or dance whenever the spirit is moved, and should not feel compelled to follow the leader or the rest of the community.

However, we realize that not everyone knows where the leader is at any particular point in the service. Therefore, a sheet has been provided with page numbers for nine different siddurim. Participants are also encouraged to ask their neighbor for help if they want to find out where the leader is.

What is the structure of the Friday night service at KZ?

The service has four major sections:

1. Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming Shabbat). We welcome Shabbat with Psalms 95-99, Psalm 29, the song Lechah Dodi, Psalms 92-93, and other songs that may be added. At Kol Zimrah, this is often the longest part of the service, with much joyous singing.
2. Shema and its blessings. The formal evening service begins with the call to prayer (Barechu). The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4, "Listen, Israel, the Eternal is our God, the Eternal is One!") is surrounded by blessings on the themes of creation, revelation, and redemption.
3. Amidah (literally "standing"). After praying together as a community, this is an opportunity for individual prayer. Some use a fixed text containing seven blessings, while others use this time for their own meditations, and others do both. Though we all face different directions at other times, many stand and face east toward Jerusalem at this time, in accordance with the Talmud's statement that all Israel directs their hearts to one place (Berachot 30a).
4. Conclusion. We come back together for a summary of the Amidah, the concluding prayer Aleinu, the mourners' Kaddish, a one-minute teaching, and a closing song.

In the past, Kol Zimrah has offered classes about the structure of the service. If you missed these but are interested in learning more, email kolzimrah@yahoo.com . If there is sufficient interest, we'll do it again!

How can I learn some of the tunes used at Kol Zimrah services?

Some of them are here (to be used for educational purposes only). Email kolzimrah@yahoo.com if you'd like to record more.

Why does Kol Zimrah use musical instruments in prayer?

Musical instruments have been a part of Jewish worship since the Levites in the Temple. At Kol Zimrah, instruments are used to enhance communal singing and personal prayer. We only use acoustic instruments (without amplification), so that the loudest thing heard is the voices of the whole community. Our community includes people who grew up with instruments in services, as well as people who have never been to a service with instruments before Kol Zimrah.

Why does Kol Zimrah always meet on the Upper West Side? If I don't live on the Upper West Side, does that mean I'm not part of the KZ community?

Regular Kol Zimrah participants live in at least four boroughs plus New Jersey. Our diverse community includes people who take the subway on Shabbat and people who don't. Those who take the subway can take the subway to KZ, and most KZ participants who don't take the subway live on the Upper West Side. (If you don't take the subway and don't live in walking distance of KZ services, email kolzimrah@yahoo.com if you need a place to stay for Shabbat.)

What should I wear to KZ services?

Anything you want. You'll see people wearing suits, jeans, and flowing hippie garments, with Tevas and dress shoes, with covered and uncovered heads.

Do I have to be Jewish to come to Kol Zimrah?

People of all backgrounds are always welcome at KZ. A minimum of ten Jews who have reached the age of 13 is required for a minyan, but we have always had many more than ten, so this has never been an issue.

I want to announce an upcoming event to the KZ community. How can I do that?

The Kol Zimrah email list is for KZ events only (with special exceptions for the organizations that have graciously provided us with space). However, all are welcome to announce other events and distribute flyers in person at KZ services. Email kolzimrah@yahoo.com in advance to give a heads-up.

What if I have another question that hasn't been answered here?

Email kolzimrah@yahoo.com.