jewish question?

Question

i'm doing a site visit for my religion class and i picked judaism. Now i have to go to a temple and experience it and take notes after i leave. what should i expect? should i dress up with a suit or what? please give me advise because i don't want to be disrespectful.

it's a reform temple. should i go to the tot shabbat or the erev shabbat?

Answer 1

Go to a synagogue that is "reformed" not Orthodox or Conservative. Reformed is the mellow one. Then just wear like a sweater and a collared shirt. Just watch what everybody does and copy it, its no big deal and if anybody asks just explain what you are doing, they will be cool. If you can't go to a reformed synagogue, go to a conservative one but call first and tell them what you are up to. I don't know what they do, they may be more uptight. Stay away from the orthodox ones they get kind of wacky.

Answer 2

If you really want to see authentic Judaism, I recommend you go to an orthodox synagogue. The reform ones have been influenced by church services, and so are less "Jewish."

The service in an orthodox synagogue is in Hebrew, and you will get a prayer book with English translations so that you can follow along. The service lasts about 3 hours if you go on Saturday morning, but you don't have to be there from the beginning. There will be a sermon in English, although don't be surprised if the rabbi uses a lot of Hebrew words or phrases, which he usually translates right there.
If you go to an Orthodox synagogue, you will need to pick up a kippah, or yarmulke, at the entrance. They'll be in a wooden box usually there. That is a small headcovering.
Men and women sit on separate sides.

If you go to a Reform synagogue, it is usually on Friday nights. I'd say most Reform synagogues don't even have a Saturday morning service. The prayers will still be in Hebrew mostly, but again, you'll have a book with translations.

Wear a suit and you'll be fine no matter what.

Answer 3

My guess is go to the main service in a suit, but I wouldn't know, because I'm Orthodox and have never gone to a Reform Temple.

Answer 4

All Temples will welcome you with open arms.

There are several different sects of Judaism with different traditions.Decide where you want to go and simply call the temple and talk to the administrator or the Rabbi.Ask all the questions you want.What time do services start and last? Most Christians are amazed at how long our services are.There are most likely services Friday night and Saturday morning.Just ask.
They will make you welcome and answer any questions you have after services.Remember, there is cake and coffee after services.
Have fun.

Answer 5

Suits are the normal attire. Try to go to a reform synagouge of you can, the services will be shorter than at a conservative or orthodox one. Just follow the lead of everyone else and you'll be fine.

Answer 6

I had a similar assignment and went to an orthodox synagogue. What I did was I called the synagogue beforehand, told them my assignment, and asked first if I could attend a service, then I asked about dress codes, etc.

Calling ahead with your questions would be your best bet

Answer 7

be prepared to put on a yarmulka (little hat thing). also a lot of what you are going to experiance depends on if you are going to a reform temple or a orthidox temple. as for what to wear, just dress like you are going to church (shirt and tie). also be prepared for them to speak hebrew.

Answer 8

Suit and tie is good.

Go with a reformed temple.

Just sit, be polite, listen, act like you would in church.

And they usually have snacks afterwards :)

A

Answer 9

Call the Rabbi and ask him. He'll be happy to answer your basic questions like that.

Good luck. I did several of those in college. Very enlightening.

Answer 10

i don't know go with ur gut