Temple Beth Miriam members will gather at the Elberon synagogue on Lincoln Avenue on the evening of July 20, then proceed together along one block to a stretch of beach that will serve as the setting for their annual oceanfront Shabbat service.

All the participants will be dressed in white, explained temple religious leader Rabbi Cy Stanway, a nod to mystics who in centuries past wore white to "greet the Sabbath bride."

The congregants' walk to the beach in recent years has attracted the attention of spectators and passersby, Stanway said. Many stopped what they were doing to watch the procession; others applauded softly as the congregants went by. Drivers have even stopped their cars to watch the temple members make their way to the shore.

The service was originated by Rabbi Joseph Goldman, the Reform temple's former religious leader; when Stanway succeeded him in 1998, he carried on the tradition. The beach service has always been a favorite activity of the congregation, he said, and several hundred members have attended each year.

This year, the worshipers will use a new text for the service, a seven-page book that was assembled by Stanway and temple members. Previously they used a book written elsewhere for outdoor services.

"The prayer book we're using now really reflects the personality of our congregation," said Stanway. "The prayers mention God's love, the beauty in the world, the need to stop for a moment in our busy lives and reflect, and the everlasting hope for peace."

Throughout the service, Stanway and other participants will sing and perform musical selections by playing guitars, flutes, tambourines, and percussion instruments. Portable amplifiers will be placed throughout the area so the music and prayers can be heard above the sound of the waves.

Original compositions, Jewish folk songs, and musical numbers reflecting the liturgy also are part of the service, said Stanway.

"This service is unique," he said. "There is a sense of spirituality and creativity that has always been an important aspect of our congregation. Temple families often bring their friends who are nonmembers, and their response is overwhelming."

Anne Raulerson of Ocean and Andria Schanzer of Long Branch are part of the temple's membership committee and have been involved with organizing the beach service — the men's club and sisterhood also take part in the planning — and both said their association with the event has been highly gratifying.

"The enthusiasm of the congregation was incredible," said Raulerson. "Everyone we spoke to during the planning process was ready to lend their support. Because the previous beach services were so successful, everyone was eager to help make this year's beach service as great as those that took place in past years."

"Our temple is a block away from the ocean, so we have a beautiful natural resource that becomes a part of the beach service," Schanzer said. "The members of the congregation love to take part in the service by reciting prayers, singing, playing music, and talking with their friends and families in this beautiful setting. Many feel the congregation is one big family."

After the conclusion of the service, a barbecue will take place on the temple's newly renovated patio.

"We are going to broaden and embellish the beach service every year," Stanway said. "It's a great opportunity to let the community know who we are and what we stand for. The service is a joyous occasion that we can share with the community by showing our spirit and what we stand for as a congregation."