I'm not a Jew...is it ok if I visit a synagogue to pray?

Answer 1

In general, yes. In specific instances it varies. Why? Unfortunately, in many countries synagogues are targets for neo-Nazis, anti-Semites, Islamic terrorists and so on. As such, security is very tight. In some countries- if you are going to cvisit the synagogue and are not a member of their community, and don;t have someone in the community to vouch for you, you have to let them know ahead of time, give them a copy of your passport/ID to evt etc- even if you are Jewish.

In other countries, such as South Africa where I live, we have security from the community standing outside at all services. If someone arrives that we do not know, they are questioned. If they are non-Jewish, and do not know anyone in the community- we turn them away, with the understanding that they are welcome to contact the Rabbi and organise with him to come and visit- but for security reasons we insist on this procedure being followed.

So, phone the synagogue you want to visit and ask them if you can come and visit, or if you need to discuss and organise it with them. It will save you from potential dissapointment.

Answer 2

One thing to add to the many excellent answers already posted: If you go to a synagogue to pray, please use the prayer books there, or if you are using your own prayers from your heart, please don't mention other gods. You might get some angry reactions if you enter a synagogue and start praying to other gods, especially since Jews were often persecuted for being Jews and not joining other religions.

Answer 3

I'm Not Jewish either but i have been to a synagogue before and I'm more than sure that yes of its ok for you to go. Also I found this on the topic off a website.

Non-Jews are always welcome to attend services in a synagogue, so long as they behave as proper guests. Proselytizing and "witnessing" to the congregation are not proper guest behavior. Would you walk into a stranger's house and criticize the decor? But we always welcome non-Jews who come to synagogue out of genuine curiosity, interest in the service or simply to join a friend in celebration of a Jewish event.

Answer 4

If your buddy is Jewish or if she has Jewish peers, ask her if it could be okay to seek advice from their synagogue. If no longer, ask your buddy if she is aware of of a synagogue you would seek advice from. Check with the Rabbi, however I'm definite the congregation would not brain, although there have been a provider being held. A buddy of mine who's Muslim (I'm Catholic) informed me she had visited a church. She simply walked as much as the door, opened it, and entered. It being per week-day, there was once no Mass being celebrated.She walked round within the church, and she or he informed me it was once an excessively peaceable seek advice from. Personally, I've visited a synagogue and a few Protestant church buildings. I suppose it's admirable of you to wish to be taught approximately a faith as opposed to your possess. As lengthy as one enters the position of worship with the purpose of worshipping God and respecting the congregation, I see no hindrance for your touring the synagogue. I took a direction known as Comparative Religions decades in the past, and I found out from it that, essentially, all religions are the identical; they instruct the identical elementary tenets (worship God, admire and honour others, rejoice the sabbath) and the role of prayer is the identical. Even the areas of worship are equivalent, and the leaders of the congregation have equivalent roles.

Answer 5

Yes, you are definitely allowed to go and even welcomed to go, as long as it is a Jewish service you are seeking. Depending on which type of service you go to, it is probably better to read up on synagogue services in general before you go. (For this, I recommend "The Synagogue Survival Kit" by Jordan Lee Wagner. Know that Orthodox services, while mostly in Hebrew (in fact, all in Hebrew--but most synagogues have siddurs [prayer books] that have Hebrew on one page and English on the adjoining page) are the most authentic. Know also that men and women do not sit together, and not that I think you wouldn't, but dress modestly. Skirts are preferable, at least to below the knee or to the ankle, no bare shoulders--sleeves should go at least to your elbow. (Again, I'm not saying you wouldn't be modest already, this is just general information). The rabbi will sometimes tell you which page the prayers are on (they do at my shul at certain points in the service) but for the most part, you can just go at your own pace and nobody will mind. You just have to know if you're going to a morning service (Shacreit) or afternoon/evening service (Mincha/Maariv).

Good luck!

Answer 6

IS it OK for you?
Yes, I am Hindu but I have visited and prayed in a Mosque, Church and a Gurudwara too. God is only one, we pray Him giving him different names. If allowed, you should go there.
Is it Ok for the synagogue?
This will be decided by the synagogue!

Answer 7

I see nothing wrong with it, but you might want to talk with the rabbi or the synagogue president to learn more about proper manners before you do. Different synagogues do things different ways.

Answer 8

If somebody does not believe in you and is a complete stranger to you, but the person in question comes to you and asks you for a favor in your house......

What would you say?

In your best mood you would allow the situation, but you would say something like: "what's the matter with you"... right?!

But than on the other hand, it could be a start.... but only you know what your heart really wants.

Answer 9

I've been to synagogue and shared in prayer and I'm a Christian. They even keep a table with extra yarmulkes for people like us and gave my husband one. Quite thoughtful of them, we thought.

Edit: To Bouken, "Why would you want to?" We all love God. Why would I not want to stand alongside others who love Him from time to time in their place of worship? Also, I am one of the few non-Jewish people in my area. They are my neighbors and their families are who I meet every day, chat with while gardening. We can share more than love of flowers.

Answer 10

I think it would depend on the synagogue.