Customs, Practices, and Minhag

In Hebrew, minhag roughly translates to the general traditions or customs of a given Jewish community.  To help make all of our guests comfortable in joining us for whatever event brings you into our midst, below is some brief information about worship at Temple Har Shalom:

• When you enter the Sanctuary, you may be welcomed with one of our traditional Sabbath greetings, either in Hebrew with “Shabbat Shalom”, which means “a peaceful Sabbath,” or in Yiddish with “Gut Shabbos”, which means “a good Sabbath.” It is appropriate to respond with either of these phrases.
• The wearing of a kippah or yarmulka (head covering) and tallit (prayer shawl) is optional for both men and women.  Traditionally, a tallit is only worn during our Shabbat morning service or during Kol Nidre (Erev Yom Kippur).
• The Sanctuary is a sacred place for reflection and prayer and, as such, we ask you not to bring in food, drinks, or gum.
• Similarly, we thank you for turning off all cell phones and other electronic devices so as not to interrupt others’ experiences.
• We welcome children of all ages into our Sanctuary. Please take this special time to guide your children in the uniqueness of the experience, especially as it relates to appropriate behaviors. To assist you in this endeavor, Jewish children’s books are available outside the Sanctuary door in a special bookcase.
• We ask that you avoid entering and exiting the Sanctuary while the Torah is being read or when the ark is open.
• For those entering our Sanctuary, we ask that attire honor the separateness and sanctity of Shabbat, and be consistent with the dignity of a religious worship service. Mini skirts, bare midriffs, exposed shoulders & backs, and low-cut garments are not appropriate and will not be permitted on the Bimah (the raised area of the Sanctuary on which services are conducted). Likewise, casual attire such as jeans, t-shirts, baseball caps, ripped clothing, etc. are not appropriate for a worship service.

Many, especially non-Jewish visitors ask, “Will I be expected to participate in the service? How will I know what to do?” And those are great questions!

Often, the Rabbi (or whoever may be leading the services) will announce the page you should be on in our Siddur (prayer book) and indicate when you are to stand or sit. You should follow that person’s lead and stand or sit with the congregation. Read the prayers aloud and sing at your own comfort level.

During Shabbat services, congregants may be called to the Bimah to assist in the service either by blessing the Shabbat candles and wine (only on Friday night), opening and closing the ark or reciting an aliyah (blessings before and after the Torah reading). Do not be concerned that you might suddenly be invited to the Bimah without warning. These honors are usually prearranged, and those who have them are notified in advance.

During the Saturday morning service, often before the reading of the Torah, there is a procession around the sanctuary with the Torah scroll called the Hakafah. At that time, you may see congregants reaching out and touching the Torah scroll with either their prayer books, their hand or the corner of their prayer shawl as the Torah passes. This is a custom for Jews that conveys reverence for the Torah, although no one is obliged to participate in it.

In short, our worship experience is always made more enjoyable by your participation in mind, body, spirit, and voice – but all is at your own level of comfort with your personal traditions.

Read more about in-depth about customs and traditions in Jewish synagogues by clicking here.