Customs and Etiquette
A synagogue is a house of God,
a place to feel God's presence, worship and
join a community in prayer. Behavior in a
synagogue should be appropriately respectful.
What to Wear
Since the synagogue is considered a house of God, it
is usually appropriate to wear nice clothes. On certain occasions that
do not involve regular prayer services more casual attire is acceptable.
Some synagogues are more informal, but usually women wear dresses and
men suits. Younger children can usually get away with their play clothes.
Except in Reform temples, all men and boys (the little ones rarely keep them on) are
expected to cover their heads. This is often optional at Refrom services.
Out of respect even non-Jewish guests should follow the custom of the
synagogue and wear a kippah.
Men who have been Bar-Mitzvahed also typically put on a tallis.
This is not expected of non-Jews, who may politely decline if offered
one. Today, in more liberal synagogues women sometimes also wear a kippah
and tallis, but this is not obligatory.
When to Arrive
Jews sometimes joke about operating on "Jewish
Standard Time" in reference to their penchant for being late. Nevertheless,
religious services usually start very close to a regular time, which
varies among synagogues. Shabbat services typically start early Saturday morning and last for approximately
3-4 hours. People do not all arrive for the beginning of the services
and it is not unusual for people to come and go throughout. Most services
follow a regular schedule so it is possible to gauge when to arrive
to avoid missing a particular prayer, the reading of the Torah or the rabbi's sermon.
The Prayer Books
The books used in the synagogue are considered holy
(because they contain the name
of God) and should be treated with respect. The reverence Jews have
for their prayer books is reflected in the tradition of kissing one
that has fallen on the g round. The regular Shabbat service uses two
books, a siddur, which contains the prayers that are recited,
and a chumash, which contains the Hebrew and English text of
the Five Books of Moses.
The Torah Service
A selection from the chumash is read during
the Torah service. The Torah is divided into "portions" assigned
to every week of the year. Each portion is approximately three or four
chapters long. Over the course of the year, the entire Torah will be
read (in some Reform synagogues a triannual cycle is used whereby it
takes three years to complete the reading). It is considered an honor
to be called to the Torah for an aliyah (which means "to
go up") to bless the Torah before and after chapters are read.
The blessings are short and a copy in Hebrew with English transliteration
is usually placed beside the Torah for people who haven't memorized
the prayer.
When the reading is completed, the congregation stands
while the Torah is lifted to show everyone the section that has just
been read. A Haftorah is then read. This is a passage from one of the
books of the prophets that relates to the Torah portion for that week.
Depending on the synagogue, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs may read from the Torah
and/or the Haftorah. Afterward the rabbi or the Bar/Bat Mitvah will offer a D'var Torah, a commentary
on the weekly portion.
The Ups and Downs
A Shabbat service involves a lot of standing, sitting
and bowing. Usually, whenever the Ark is opened to reveal the Torah, the congregation stands. At other times,
there is no apparent reason for standing. During certain prayers, bowing
toward the Ark is called for. Information on the specifics of these
prayers will be added soon to the Library. Until learning the when and
whys, it is possible to simply imitate those around you. If everyone
else stands, so should you. The person leading the service will typically
give instructions on when to stand and sit. It can be even more confusing
when going to synagogues from different movements, which in a few instances
stand and sit at opposite times.
No-Nos
-
The synagogue may be one of the last remain sanctuaries
to escape cell phones and beepers. They should be turned off before
entering.
-
No smoking is allowed.
-
Applause is not appropriate.
-
Photography is not permitted (when no services
are in progress and it is not Shabbat or another holiday, photographs
are usually permissable).
- When the Ark is open, do not leave or enter the sanctuary.
Other Synagogue Activities
Synagogues are meeting places for the community and are used for a
number of religious and non-religious functions. These include:
- Study classes for adults
- Religious school for children
- Lectures
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Meetings
- Youth group activities
Sources: Judaism
101.
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