do you have to be jewish to go to a synagogue?

Question

if not, do i need to wear a certain thing? Any rules?

Answer 1

No, you don't have to be Jewish. Have you been invited to attend? If so, you can review this with your host(ess) and ask more questions of him/her.

How modestly you should dress depends on how conservative the synagogue is.

Some general hints:

Do not openly wear symbols of other faiths.

At events occurring on Saturday morning it is customary for guests who are not Jews to arrive at the scheduled time at Reform and Reconstructionist services. For Orthodox or Conservative services, which tend to be longer, ask your host the time you should arrive so you can be present for the specific event within the service for which you have been invited, unless you want to participate in the entire service.

Sit whoever you wish, while respecting any separation of men and women, which occurs in Orthodox congregations.

Don't leave when the congregation is standing, when the Torah is being taken out of or returned to the ark, when the rabbi is speaking or, in general, during the specific ceremony to which you have been invited is taking place.

Visiting non-Jewish people are expected to stand with the congregation. It is optional for them to read prayers aloud and sing with the congregants, if this would not violate the guest's religious beliefs.

Do not take pictures. Do not use a video camera. Do not use a tape recorder.

There is usually a reception after the service. It may last 30 to 60 minutes. There is usually light food served such as pastries or fruit, as well as coffee, tea, or punch. Sometimes appetizer-type foods are served.

WAIT UNTIL A BLESSING HAS BEEN SAID BEFORE EATING OR DRINKING ANYTHING. Wine and grape juice are provided in almost all congregations for the ceremonial blessing before drinking "the fruit of the vine". A special blessing is recited before eating bread.

In all Orthodox and some Conservative congregations, ritual hand washing is done before eating or drinking.

That's all I can recall right now.

Answer 2

Visitors are welcome. I've attended synagogue before. You should dress nicely out of respect for the sacredness of the service. Some congregations require males, even non-Jewish males, to wear a kippah (yarmulke). Most will have some that you can borrow. Large shuls, synagogues, or temples will have someone who helps guide visitors through the process. I've forgotten what that's called, but I'll look it up for you. Anyway, it's considered a mitzvah to help someone understand what is happening, so feel free to ask (beforehand, of course, so as to not disrupt the service). Everyone, including non-Jewish visitors, should stand whenever the Ark is open and when the Torah is carried to or from the Ark; this is a sign of respect.

Answer 3

That's an excellent question.
Some synagogues will only allow Jewish persons inside because that one is an orthodox style. Others, such as a 'conservative' type will allow anyone in.
If you are invited to a Jewish ceremony such as a 'bar mitzvah' or a wedding, men are asked to wear a 'yarmulke' (skull cap) inside the temple.
Most of these types of ceremonies are conducted in English as well as Hebrew for guests, so you needn't worry about strange languages!
So, have fun and enjoy yourself.
Shalom!

Answer 4

No! If you are scared you can phone and ask to speak to the Rabbi beforehand. You should sit to the rear, and if you are a man you should not wear a tallit (prayer shawl) or put on tefillin (phylacteries) In Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit apart, so make sure you go to the right section! Also, all men (Jewish or not) are expected to cover their head with a kippa (Yarmulka, skullcap, beanie) as a mark of respect to G-d. It helps if you can read Hebrew so you can follow along with the services, otherwise you might find them long and boring. The melodies are divine!

p.s. There is a special Synagogue official called the "shamash" whose function is to help people (such as visitors) who are unsure of themselves and what they are/are not supposed to do. This is another reason I recommend phoning the Rabbi in advance - the Shamash will go out of his way not to embarrass you.

Answer 5

No I do not believe you need to be Jewish to attend a synagogue just try to look nice.

Answer 6

well synagogues are mostly for people who are of the jewish faith aka judaism but i guess anybody can go if they want to learn more about it it's something like church and the mosque anybody is welcome as long as they are on their best behavior anyway i would say to go dressed up and show some respect although they might say that they don't have to a strict dress code

Answer 7

Contact a Temple, ask for a Rabi . . . I'm sure you are welcome. I'm sure there may be something you cannot do or wear . . . but that's even true of Federal Court . . .


The old Jewish Law permitted a certain way to accept Gentiles into their religion . . .

Answer 8

I don't know but why would you want to disrupt the Jewish people in their worship?

I'd say if you're not Jewish, don't go unless you go with someone who is Jewish and can instruct you.

Answer 9

No you dont we welcome anyone.But what to wear is a different story.If you are gong to a orthodox synogoge the you would have to cover up mor.And you shouldnt wear pants you have to wre a dress that is knee leghth.But if your going to a conservative synogoe then you wouldnt have to.

Answer 10

You don't need to be Jewish, but it helps!