For anyone who has never attended a service at a synagogue – or if it’s been a few years since your last one – you might be wondering what exactly to expect. For anyone entering into a new situation – especially a situation with expected behaviour and customs – it can be a bit nerve-wracking.
What’s important to remember, however, is that synagogues the world over are welcoming and friendly places. Even if you have never been before, Shabbat services are events where you can reconvene with your community, and get to know more people, while also giving thanks to your religion. With this in mind, let’s take a look at what you can expect and what you have to remember before walking through the doors:
The Dress Code
Okay, the first thing we should mention is that every synagogue is different. In this way, we highly recommend that you consult your local place of worship, and try to speak to your rabbi, who can give you an idea of what is expected in your specific synagogue.
By and large, however, synagogues across North America and Europe encourage more formal attire. For men, this means a suit and a tie, while for women, it means a dress or pantsuit. If you are part of a more conventional Jewish community, however, the clothing may be more traditional, which means women might have to cover their shoulders or avoid wearing pants.
The Etiquette
Ordinarily, people attending the service will arrive at least twenty or ten minutes before the start of the service, so as not to interrupt the service while it is ongoing. During the service, the rabbi will be dressed in formal Jewish clothing, which might include a kippah and white garments, with a Torah pointer in one hand for the sermon.
While they are talking, you will respect the sanctity of the service by setting your phone to silent, not taking pictures, and making sure that you do not speak – if other members see you talking, even if quietly, this will be considered a breach of the synagogue’s decorum.
The Service
During the service, the prayer leader will be directing the congregation about when they sit and when they stand. It’s important to note that Shabbat services are quite athletic affairs! If you are able, you will be required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and bow during the service, although if this will cause you trouble, remember that you are not obligated to do so. The service itself will take you from the Shabbat liturgy – some of which can be participatory, or used as a backdrop to prayer – to the Torah, and then the reading of the Haftarah, which should correspond to the Torah reading that week.
Toward the end of the service is when the community can come together and greet one another. The readings will be finished, and the congregation will move from the sanctuary to a social hall. This socialisation is, of course, a bit part of the “whole” service, which means that people are invited and encouraged to do so. Remember, it might be nerve-wracking to introduce yourself to new people, but everyone will be friendly and welcoming, so try to put your nerves to one side and enjoy yourself!