| • Community |
| • FAQ's |
| • Sisterhood |
| • Youth Groups |
| • Interfaith |
| • Committees |
Frequent Questions (FAQ's)
For visitors to Temple Beth Shalom: (June, 2015)
PDF version (1 pg, 106k)
Welcome. We are honored that you are joining us for prayer. Our sanctuary, as a place of worship, is separate from other places, just as the Sabbath is separate from the rest of the week. If you have not been greeted by a temple member, please introduce yourself to the rabbi and/or president. Board members wear identification badges and can answer any questions you may have. Dates and times of services are in the calendar section of the webpage and generally last from 1 to 1-1/2 hours. The following questions and answers are designed to help achieve the communal holiness necessary to fully experience the renewal of Shabbat and other services.
- Who is welcome at services?
- What should we wear?
- Can we take pictures?
- Can we use cell phones, or eat or drink in the sanctuary?
- Do we need to be able to read Hebrew to follow a service?
- Should we stand when congregants stand?
- What do we do during the Torah processional?
- What happens after services?
- Are there ways non-Jewish people can participate in services?
Who is welcome at services?
We welcome people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds.
What should we wear?
Worshippers should dress appropriately for a religious service. A head covering, kippah or yarmulke, is optional for men and women. A prayer shawl, or tallit, is optional for Jewish men and women ages 12 and above. Extras of both are available for use in the lobby. Those called to the bimah for Torah honors should wear a tallit.
Can we take pictures?
Not during services, however, you can take pictures before and after services.
Can we use cell phones, or eat or drink in the sanctuary?
Please turn off cell phones or place them on vibrate during the service. Please do not eat or drink on the carpeted area of the sanctuary.
Do we need to be able to read Hebrew to follow a service?
No, our prayer book has Hebrew, transliteration, and English translations. Some common Hebrew phrases or words you may hear during a service are: Shabbat Shalom/Gut Shabbos—a greeting wishing someone a peaceful Sabbath; Adonai—God, Israel—the Jewish people; tallit—a prayer shawl; mitzvah—commandment; l’chayim—to life, a toast; siddur—prayer book. The prayer book opens right to left, and the service leader will announce the page numbers. Feel free to participate as much as you are able or desire.
Should we stand when congregants stand?
Yes, if you would like to.
What do we do during the Torah processional?
Please stand and face the Torah when it is carried around the sanctuary. As it passes individuals, Jewish people may choose to touch it with their prayer book or their tallit, non-Jewish people may choose to touch it with their prayer book. We traditionally do not touch the Torah with our hands, as a sign of its holiness.
What happens after services?
We do Kiddush, a blessing over the wine and bread (Challah). Please wait until after each blessing before drinking the wine or eating from the challah. We then have an oneg, a reception with coffee/soft drinks and desserts, where we can chat and get to know each other. Children like to gather and play, but for their safety and for that of older adults, please be aware of their whereabouts and keep them from the kitchen.
Are there ways non-Jewish people can participate in services?
Leadership of group Hebrew prayers and honors related to the Torah are led only by people of the Jewish faith. Reading of Hebrew or English prayers or meditations is permissible by people of all faiths. If you would like to do an individual reading, just ask the rabbi.