First Time at Jewish Synagogue?

Question

I am attending a Jewish synagogue with my friend for a world religions class I am participating in. While she has gone over a few basics with me (we’ll go on Saturday, we don’t sit with the men, wear a skirt, etc), I really don’t know what to expect or plan on. Can anyone (preferably people of the Jewish faith) help me by telling me what to expect and what I should do so that I do not offend anyone?

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry about offending people. With the attitude that you have, they'll be delighted to have you share their service with them. I haven't been to synagouge in far too long, and my hebrew was never good. I just immitated what other people did. You'll be standing up and sitting down a lot. You won't understand much of the service, but talk to people afterwards.

Answer 2

I go to the synagogue pretty much 7 days a week, so it's funny when I look back on when I first started, I didn't know much, but I've come a long way.

Anyway, if you are going to a service where the men & women sit separately then keep in mind:

1. Married women cover their hair, Unmarried women DO NOT.

2. A man will only touch his own wife and will NOT touch any other woman - do not attempt to shake hands with a man.

3. There should be plenty of Torah (Bible) and prayer books with English translation. The public reading of the Torah (Bible) portion of the week is the longest part of the service, followed by a reading of a portion of the prophets. Read along in English and enjoy.

4. Remember that, unless you live in Israel where Hebrew is spoken everyday, most people in the US do not speak Hebrew that well, they also rely on the English a lot.

Hope that helps and B'Hatzlacha (wish you success).

Answer 3

If you're going to an Orthodox service (which is sounds like you are; you may even be going to a Chasidic or Lubavitcher service, which is even more strict), you might consider covering your hair with a scarf. Be prepared for the entire service to be in Hebrew (or Yiddish, if it's a Lubavitcher congregation), and just stand and sit and bow your head when everyone else does.

I would suggest, though, if this is attendance for a class, that you find a local campus that has a Hillel organization, and find a local Reform or Conservative temple, and attend services there -- at least some, if not most or all, of that service would be in English, so you could follow along better and get something real out of the experience.

Shabat Shalom!

Answer 4

first and foremost relax.

it seems like your friend covered some of the basics

tip of advice if you find the service at some point getting to be boring because you dont understand what is going on there should be bibles and other books in the back so atleast you have something to read.

usually at the end of the service there is some food and people start to mingle and talk. If you have any questions this is the best time to ask.

Answer 5

i'm not particular if Swastikas are extremely cutting-edge in Jewish synagogues. that is available. you hit upon them in a good number of faiths and subculture which incorporates Buddhism. there is an area indian tribe in Oklahoma that has used a similar image for hundreds of years. It grow to be not continuously and continually a logo of Nazis.

Answer 6

You don't sit with the men in an Orthodox temple...Reform and conservative don't have such rules that I am aware of (a real practicing Jew can correct me if I'm wrong). As a Unitarian Universalist originally of the Jewish faith I can tell you to just be you and you'll be welcomed with open arms.

Answer 7

You can check out jewfaq.org.....it gives all the synagogues and how you should behave! I went to one last weekend (it was a Progressive one), all we did was read, have prayers, stand up, sing a bit (except for me because I don't know hebrew)...anyways, all I can say is just follow what others do! I'm serious, I thought that was a bit of useless advice, but it's really helpful! Hope this helped!

Answer 8

Don't be loud in shul, don't be talky during silent prayer, don't wear a big cross....Oh, and if it's orthodox, don't get huffy if members of the opposite sex don't shake your hand, it's not personal. If you need more info , feel free to IM me.,
It's a good bet you will not be going to a shul that has services in Yiddish, and most have Hebrew/English prayer books, even the ultra Orthodox in the states have them available...