Kehillat Beth Israel
What will I see others wearing?
What do I wear to Synagogue?
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What will I see in Synagogue?
What are some of the things that will happen in Synagogue?
Are there different parts of the service?
Who takes part in the service?
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Yes, that means phones and cameras
What do you mean no technology
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ATTIRE
What do I wear to synagogue? The easiest way to describe what to wear is wear what you would wear to church. Dave always wears a shirt, tie and jacket. Boys/men should wear a shirt, and can wear a tie if they want. Girls should have their shoulders covered. When I first started going to Shul with Dave women did NOT wear pants, but I've noticed a few more woman have been wearing pants in the last few years. I have never worn pants on a Saturday, and have been trained by Dave's mom so I don't think I ever will ;)
What is a kippah? Also known as a skullcap or a yarmulke ( Sounds like: yamika). There is no jewish law that states that ones head should be covered but it is done to show the admiration and respect for God. Kippot (plural) can be made out of many different materials, leather, crocheted, silk, velvet. It is customary for the family to provide kippot for a simach (festive occasion) and you will find these on a table just before you enter the sanctuary. Men wear the kippah and you will see some women who do, but it is not a requirement. After Dave and I were married I wore a lace piece on my head but don't anymore. All men are expected to wear a kippah in synagogue even if you are not jewish, as a sign of respect for the congregation.
What is a Tallit? (Tall-eet) or Tallis (Tall-us) is large rectangular prayer shawl. Each of the four corners have strings tied in a particular pattern. These strings are called tzitzit. There is a biblical requirement (Num. I 5:37-4 I) to put fringes on the corners of their garments. Since it's no longer customary to wear fringes on everyday clothing the tallis is used to fulfill the biblical requirement. Some people wear their tallis just on their shoulders and some choose to also cover their heads. Traditionally, men wore tallit but more women are choosing to wear a tallit. Haylie and Jayson will have their own tallis. If you are not jewish you do NOT wear a tallit.
Terms and customs
Synagogue, Shul and Temple - Shul is a Yiddish word, that Orthodox Jews commonly use. Conservative Jews usually use Synagogue and Reform Jews use the term Temple. This is a place of worship and prayer as well as a place for study, learning of the religion.
Menorah - The menorah is highly recognized, probably because it's one of the oldest religious symbols. The menorah is a 7 branched candelabra, the stem representing God's spirit, the three sides represents wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear. The Hanukkah menorah (Hanukiah) has 9 branches the highest branch is the shamash (working candle) and the other branches recognize the miracle of 8 nights of light when there was only enough oil for 1 night.
The Holy Ark- Is located at the front of the sanctuary usually on the Eastern wall facing Jerusalem. Interesting fact - the Ark at KBI actually faces the southwest wall because Daniel 6:II states the windows should face East - different interpretations. The Ark contains the Torah scrolls.
Parochet - The Ark is protected with a special curtain called the parochet. This adds an extra layer to protect the torah scrolls.
Eternal Light - Is basically a chandelier that is above the Ark. The light is illuminated 24/7. The light symbolizes God's eternal presence in our lives.
Bimah - This is the area where the Torah is read. It's like a pulpit or stage, usually in the center of the sanctuary.
Aliya - The word aliya means 'going up', being called up to the Torah. On Saturday there are typically seven aliyot (plural). An aliya is an honour, during a bat/bar mitzvah the family will ask people to read from the Torah.
Siddur - Prayer book. You will be told which book to use and the page number. You hold the siddur with the spine on the right, as if you are holding a book backwards. Page 1 would be the last page if you were reading an English book. On the right of the page you will see Hebrew which is read from right to left (opposite from English) on the left of the page you will be able to read the English interpretation.
Torah Scrolls - Torah scrolls contain the entire text of the Five Books of Moses. A scroll is hand-written and rolled up around two wooden shafts. The scrolls are kept in the Ark and are brought out and read four times a week. Shabbat (Saturday) morning, Shabbat afternoon, Monday and Thursday mornings. As well as Jewish festivals/holidays, the first days of a new Hebrew month and fast days.
Torah Pointer - Torah Yad Pointer, translation of Yad is hand. The Yad pointer helps keep the readers place and makes sure the parchment paper is not touched by the readers hand. The parchment paper is fragile and the ink could fade if touched. A pointer is not necessary but can make reading easier.
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Customs you will see in Synagogue.
People coming and going - Shul starts at 9am, but you will see people walking in and out all morning. A majority of people seem to arrive by 10am as this is the time when the Reading of the Torah begins. You will also notice that this seems to be a very social time, you'll see people talking all morning; I still find it strange. That being said the President of KBI, just mentioned a reminder in our monthly news letter that we should refrain from talking as it's disrespectful for those who are being called to the Bimah.
When the Ark is open - We stand to show respect.
Kissing the Torah - It is common practice to kiss the Torah, to show our love and appreciation. The Torah will be carried around the room, people will move to the end of the rows and reach out for the Torah. People will either reach out with their tallit or siddur to touch the Torah, they will then take the tallit or siddur and bring it to their lips. Also, when a person is called for an aliya they will be shown where they are going to start reading, they will then take their tallit touch the Torah and then kiss their tallit.
Bowing - Whereas in church it is customary to kneel, in a synagogue we stand and bow. You will be instructed when to stand (it's a from of respect as in church) and when to sit down. There are times when you will see people bow by bending their knees, straightening back up and leaning forward and back up again. Do not feel you have to do this.
Candy toss - When Haylie and Jayson are almost done their reading of the Torah candy will be passed around. Take a few pieces and you will be instructed when to start tossing the candy at Haylie and Jayson, symbolizing a sweet future. Once everyone has tossed their candy, all the children from the congregations will run up to the Bimah and collect what they can.
Kiddush Lunch - It is customary that after a service the Kiddush (prayer over wine) is said that sanctifies Shabbat. There will be tables set up for our guest (all of you) and there will be another location for the congregation (those not invited to our simach) to eat.
Yahrzeit Board - This is a way to honour the deceased members of the congregation. In the foyer there is a screen that lists the names of those who have passed on. KBI has recently updated their board with technology because they were running out of space for individual plaques bearing the person's name. On the anniversary of a person's passing, a light next to their name was illuminated, now the person's name is displayed on the screen.
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About clergy and service
Cantor Jason Green - Cantor Green joined our synagogue spring of 2018. Cantor Green works with all the children of our congregation to prepare them for the time they are called to the Torah. Cantor Green does not know this but he's also bringing Dave back! Dave is slowly finding the connection he lost, and I am grateful to Cantor Green in more ways than he knows. What is a Cantor you ask? Another name for a Cantor is Chazzan (hazen) which means "overseer". A Cantor leads the congregation in prayer and teaching along with the Rabbi. A Cantor is not only educated in the text but also musically trained.
Rabbi Eytan Kenter - Rabbi Kenter is our Senior Rabbi, he was born and raised in Westchester New York. Rabbi Kenter joined our Shul after Rabbi Fine retired. Rabbi means teacher. A Rabbi's role is to instruct and guide others in the education and spiritual guidance of Judaism. Rabbi Kenter worked with Haylie and Jayson on their speeches.
Rabbi Deborah Zuker - Rabbi Zuker is our Associate Rabbi. Rabbi Zuker was born and raised in Ottawa, graduating from Confederation High School. Her studies took her to Israel and the US, Rabbi Zuker eventually returned back home to us.
Parts of the service - There are 6 parts to the service.
Preparatory Readings and Songs - This is a time before morning prayers start, where you will see people reading quietly on their own.
The "Sh'ma" and it's Blessings - Time of the service when we are called to worship. Everyone will rise and proclaim, "Praise God to Whom our praise is due!" The part of the service where once declares their faith; "Here, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One!"
T'filah/Amidah - T'filah is Hebrew for prayer. This is when prayers are read from the Siddur to honour the Sabbath.
Reading and Interpretation of the Torah - When the reading of the Torah begins with interpretation of the Scripture. Blessings are chanted before and after readings, thanking God for the gift of teaching. After the reading of the Torah is complete Rabbi Kenter will give his d'var Torah (interpretation).
Conclusion of the Service - The "Kaddish" prayer which praises God and is an affirmation of life and the belief in the Dominion of God and a better world for all of God's children. At this time everyone will leave the sanctuary.
Kiddush and Motzi - The Kiddush (different from Kaddish) is the Hebrew word for sanctification. The prayer is said over a cup of wine to bless the Sabbath. The response to the prayer is "Amen". The Kiddush is said before eating.
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technology
Shabbat, or Shabbos is a day of rest and technology is not to be used. So, no photos and no phones during the service. If you do bring your phone in please make sure it's on silent. Please don't use your phone until you have left the synagogue.