LOST IN SYNAGOGUE SERVICES TAILORED FOR THOSE JUST LEARNING ABOUT JUDAISM.

Byline: Holly J. Andres Staff Writer

ENCINO - When she first attended synagogue, Emily Camras was concerned about her role in the Shabbat service.

While she had learned about it in an 18-week class before she converted to the faith in 2001, she still wondered about such things as when she was supposed to bow.

And being surrounded by longtime synagogue attendees in her first service was daunting.

``It was overwhelming at first at a service when everyone seemed to know what to do. We're taught in class, but it's hard to remember,'' said Camras. ``During the Amidah part of the service, there are a lot of people bowing, and for different parts. For me, it was, 'What do I do now?'''

Rabbi Neal Weinberg was hearing similar comments from other students in his Introduction to Judaism classes.

``It's often been said that we 'leave the convert dripping at the mikveh','' said Weinberg, referring to Judaism's immersion of converts in a ritual bath. ``We do so much to get them ready and then we leave them alone.

``They feel unsure at the services. It's like visiting a foreign country. I've asked myself when I go to synagogue, 'If I wasn't Jewish, would I understand?' The rabbis can't make it easier because they need to retain the people who are already going there and they assume people there already know the Hebrew or Yiddish terms.''

Weinberg came up with the idea of offering a series of Shabbat services specifically for anyone - Jews and others - interested in learning more about the faith.

The first of seven such Saturday morning services will be held at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino on Aug. 6.

Weinberg, who was ordained in 1976, will lead all seven services planned through December at Conservative and Reform congregations. Volunteers from the individual synagogues in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles will serve as cantor and readers from the Torah.

The approximately 2 1/2-hour services will begin with question-and-answer sessions on aspects of the faith and service. A special English-language prayer book will be used.

``Every service will be different because it will be geared toward the needs of those attending that service. We will go slowly and explain so people can gain confidence,'' Weinberg said. ``The goal is to make people more knowledgeable so they can go back to their own synagogue and feel at home.''

Camras, who was a student in Weinberg's Introduction to Judaism classes, sees a need for such services.

``What appealed to me about Judaism was the view of the world. It focuses on living in the present and on social justice rather than what happens after we died,'' Camras said. ``It's about making things better in this world.''

A Shabbat service led by Rabbi Neal Weinberg will be held at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 6 at Valley Beth Shalom, 15729 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Call [phone]. Future services: 9:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles [phone]; 9:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles [phone]; and 9:30 a.m. Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. [phone].

Holly Andres, [phone]

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

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Emily Camras of Encino was aided in her conversion to Judaism by Rabbi Neal Weinberg, who will lead a Shabbat morning service geared for those who have recently converted or those interested in learning about Judaism.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer