Village Yontif is an egalitarian, humanist congregation in Greenwich Village. All are welcome to explore their spirituality, as well as their connection to our ancestors, each other, and the melting pot that is New York City, through our inclusive services which offer prayer, song, ritual, story, reflection, and commentary.
Village Yontif is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 . All donations are tax deductible.
Join Us for our weekly virtual Shabbat services.
A one-time registration for each is required.
Friday evening, Kabbalat Shabbat Services begin at 7:30 pm EST.
Soft beautiful traditional Shabbat melodies, more of a time for profound story-telling than study.
Services led by Daniel Neiden. Stories from Shellen Lubin.
Services run approximately 60 minutes.
Saturday morning, Shabbat Services begin at 10:30 am EST.
Traditional prayers around the centerpiece of spirited, interactive discussions based on the parshat of the week.
Services led by Nancy Coren and/or Daniel Neiden.
Current Prayer
Our God and God of our ancestors, with mercy accept our prayer on behalf of our country and its government. Pour out Your blessings upon this land, upon its leaders, judges, officers, and officials, who are devoted in good faith to the needs of the public. Instruct them with the laws of Your Torah and help them understand Your rules of justice, so that peace and security, happiness and freedom, will never depart from our land. We pray, ADONAI, God whose spirit is in all creatures, awaken that spirit within all the inhabitants of our land. Uproot from their hearts hatred and malice, jealousy and strife. Plant among those of different nationalities and faiths who dwell in our nation, love and companionship, peace and friendship. May it therefore be Your will that our land be a blessing to all who dwell on earth and cause them to dwell in friendship and freedom. Speedily fulfill the vision of Your prophets: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore”; “For all of them, from the least of them to the greatest, shall know Me.” And let us say: Amen.
Kol HaNeshamah (Reconstructionist)
Sovereign of the universe, mercifully receive our prayer for our land and its government. Let your blessing pour out on this land and on all officials of this country who are occupied, in good faith, with the public needs. Instruct them from your Torah's laws, enable them to understand your principles of justice, so that peace and tranquility, happiness and freedom, might never turn away from our land. Please, WISE ONE, God of the lifebreath of all fresh, waken your spirit within all inhabitants of our land, and plant among the peoples of different nationalities and faiths who dwell here, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. Uproot from their hearts all hatred and enmity, all jealousy and vying from supremacy. Fulfill the yearning of all the people of our country to speak proudly in its honor. Fulfill their desire to see it become a light to all nations. Therefore, may it be your will, that our land should be a blessing to all inhabitants of the globe. Cause to dwell among all peoples friendship and freedom. And soon fulfill the vision of your prophet: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Let them learn no longer the ways of war." And let us say: Amen.
Our God and God of our ancestors, grant to our country the will and wherewithal to fulfill its calling to justice, liberty, and equality…. May our judges, elected leaders, and all who hold public office exercise their responsibilities with wisdom, fairness, and justice for all. Fill them with love and kindness, and bless them that they may walk with integrity on the paths of peace and righteousness…. Fill us all with the gifts of love and courage, that we may create a world that reflects Your glory. May we each respond to the charge of Your prophet, “For what does Adonai demand of You—but to act justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). May the one who brings peace on high bring peace and prosperity to our world and keep us in safety. And let us say: Amen. — Adapted from the Alternative Prayer for Our Country, Siddur Lev Shalem, Rabbi Edward Feld (RS ’68), Senior Editor; Rabbi Jan Uhrbach (RS ’03), Associate Editor