Machzorim (prayerbooks)

Gates of Repentance (standard Reform liturgy): Temple Menorah, Rodeph Shalom, Temple Emanuel (main sanctuary and family services), Beth Ohr

On Wings of Awe (nondenominational, known for its poetic interpretative English readings): Beth Chayim Chadashim, Kol Ami, Temple Emanuel (minyan service), UCLA Hillel (liberal service)

Rabbinical Assembly machzor (new Conservative): Mishkon Tephilo, UCLA Hillel (traditional service)

Silverman machzor (old Conservative): Beth Am, B’nai Ami, Ner Tamid, Valley Beth Israel

Machzor Hadash (Conservative structure but with more transliteration and many supplemental English readings): Adat Shalom, Beth Shalom, B’nai Tikvah, N’vay Shalom

Tikunay Nefashot (a streamlined, alternative liberal machzor): Or Ami and four or five other congregations, mainly Reform

Birnbaum (Orthodox): Etz Jacob, B’nai David-Judea

Temple’s own prayerbook: Temple Isaiah, Makom Ohr Shalom, Leo Baeck, Sha’arei Am, Beth Shir Shalom, Temple Beth Hillel

Other: Kehillat Israel and Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue use the Reconstructionist machzor, Kol Haneshamah; Temple Beth Emet uses the old Reform machzor, Union Prayer Book II

Music styles

Many synagogues describe themselves as offering a mix of musical styles (one or more among traditional chant, formal set pieces, folk tunes and “pop” settings of liturgy) and a balance between congregational singing and “active listening.” But in some temples, a certain style or philosophy will predominate.

Participatory (the congregation gets to sing a lot): Temple Beth Am (Library Minyan and BAIT Tefillah services), Beth Chayim Chadashim, B’nai Ami, B’nai Tikvah, B’nai David-Judea, Temple Emanuel (New Emanuel Minyan and family services), Temple Isaiah, Sha’arei Am, Sholem Community (Yiddish songs), UCLA Hillel (liberal service), Arbeter Ring (also Yiddish)Formal cantorial: Temple Beth Emet, Adat Shalom, Temple Emanuel (adult service in sanctuary); Beth Am (main sanctuary service)

Volunteer choir: Temple Isaiah, Makom Ohr Shalom, Valley Beth Israel, Or Ami, Mishkon Tephilo, Kehillat Israel, Beth Shir Shalom, Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue

Professional choir: Leo Baeck, Stephen S. Wise (services in the sanctuary and satellite locations), Temple Emanuel (adult service in sanctuary), Beth Am (main sanctuary service)

Traditional chant: Mishkon Tephilo, Beth Ohr, Southwest Temple Beth Torah, UCLA Hillel’s traditional services, most Orthodox venues

Guitars will be strummed at: Leo Baeck, Temple Menorah, Beth Shir Shalom, Temple Emanuel (New Emanuel Minyan services), Sha’arei Am, UCLA Hillel’s liberal service

The organ is alive and well at: Leo Baeck, Temple Menorah, Stephen S. WiseNo instrumental accompaniment: Mishkon Tephilo, Ner Tamid (traditional services), Beth Am, any Orthodox synagogue

Take time to meditate: Makom Ohr Shalom, N’vay Shalom, Shir Hadash