What to wear to the synagogue?

Dear Rabbi... I have a question for you - what clothes should women wear when entering the synagogue?

Actually, I’m 15 years old - I want to go to the synagogue (for the first time) and I don’t even know what to do. Can you give me any advice?

Julijew
Kyrgyzstan

There are no special clothes for visiting the synagogue. There are only a few essential conditions that a Jewish woman must fulfill always and everywhere: cleanliness, neatness and modesty.

IN Shabbat(on Saturday) and on holidays it is customary to wear something more elegant. But - not too bright, not “provocative”.

A Jewish woman does not wear trousers (see the answer on the site “A jacket and ladies' trousers - what's the difference? » ), does not wear dresses or blouses with large necklines. Skirts and sleeves must be no shorter than a certain length. We have already written about this on the website (see answer "About women's clothing" ).

And one more thing: according to Jewish tradition (at home, at work, on the street, in the synagogue, etc.), only married women cover their heads in any weather (see the answer on the website "Women cover their heads" ). Girls, unless weather conditions require it, do not need to wear a hat (see the answer on the website "Girls don't cover their heads" ).

Typically, both men and women come to the synagogue to pray with the community. Just in case (if you don’t already know this), we note that, according to Jewish tradition, men and women pray separately. Let's say men are on the first floor, women are on the second. Or for women, for example, a certain “territory” is allocated in the common prayer hall.

Praying with a community requires some experience. It is clear that you do not have it yet. But you shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed of this. Experience gradually accumulates, the main thing is to start. Before going to synagogue for the first time, take siddur(a collection of Jewish prayers) with Russian translations and carefully review its contents at home. You will see what prayers are read in the morning, afternoon and evening (Jews read prayers three times a day). And then... In any synagogue there will be people who will help you find your way.

You probably noticed that all the answers on the site (and we already have more than a thousand of them) are divided into topics (sections). For example - “Worldview”, “History”, “Halakha and life”, etc.

Select and read, first of all, those that will clarify the most pressing issues for you at the moment.

We advise you to visit our website often. You will find a lot of interesting and useful things here. In addition, we believe that his visit (not only to the “Ask a Rabbi” section, but also to others) will mark the beginning of a serious study of Jewish tradition. And you, it seems to us, want to return to your “roots”. It is no coincidence that you have a desire to go to the synagogue...

The text was compiled by the site’s creative team

I crossed the threshold of the synagogue. What's next?
1

Hello!

I am Jewish according to Halacha, but I do not go to synagogue. What are the rules in the synagogue, except for a headscarf covering your hair and appropriate clothing.

Julia
Ukraine

People come to the synagogue mainly for prayers. Such public services are held daily, three times a day: in the morning (prayer shacharit), in the afternoon (afternoon, and most often - evening prayer minha) and in the evening ( arabite or maariv- this prayer is read after the stars come out).

Therefore, before going to the synagogue, you first of all need to find Siddur(prayer book) with Russian translation, where the texts of Jewish prayers are given and the order of their reading is indicated. And, let’s start with a quick look at its contents. To understand what is happening in the synagogue.

Siddurs are usually found in most synagogues. But when you come to prayer for the first time, you will not know where they are. That's why I advise you to stock up Siddur in advance - so as not to disturb those praying with searches.

For the first time, it is best to come to the synagogue at Shabbat, for morning prayer ( shacharit). Sabbath times in different synagogues shaharita prescribed in different ways: as a rule, from seven to nine o’clock in the morning. But this needs to be clarified before Shabbat- the prayer schedule is usually posted in the synagogue foyer. The duration of Saturday morning prayer is on average two to three hours.

So, on Saturday morning you “cross the threshold” of the synagogue. And you should know that men and women pray separately. Therefore, first of all, you need to find out where the women’s hall is located (or a space specially fenced off for women in the general prayer hall).

When entering a prayer room, sit next to other women and carefully look at how those around you behave. And try to behave the same way. Try joining in communal prayer. But don't set yourself impossible tasks. And don’t be embarrassed if you don’t manage to read at least a short passage with everyone - reading prayers requires serious preparation and training.

At first, you do not have to be present in the synagogue for the entire prayer, until the very end. The main thing is that you feel comfortable. If, say, after 15-20 minutes you feel tired, get up and quietly, so as not to disturb anyone, leave the synagogue. There will be nothing reprehensible in this.

Now - a little about the appearance, suitable for a synagogue.

You need to wear, as you yourself understand, modest, not bright, but elegant enough (for Shabbat) clothes (see on the website, for example, the answer "About women's clothing" ). If you are single, you do not need to wear a headdress, including a scarf, to the synagogue. For only married Jewish women cover their heads - both at home, on the street, and in the synagogue (see on the website, for example, the answers

How to behave correctly when visiting houses of worship of various religious denominations? General etiquette standards and main differences. Orthodox church

As a rule, Orthodox churches have three entrances: the main (western, opposite the altar), northern and southern. The entire church building is divided into the altar, the temple itself and the vestibule. The altar is separated from the temple itself by an iconostasis, which in most cases reaches the ceiling. The altar contains the throne and the altar. The Royal Doors (central), as well as the northern and southern doors lead to the altar.

Women are prohibited from entering the altar. Men can enter the altar only with the permission of the priests, and then only through the northern or southern doors. Only clergy enter the altar through the Royal Doors.

Directly adjacent to the iconostasis is the solea - an elevated platform along the entire altar. Opposite the royal doors is the ambo - the central part of the solea. Without the permission of the clergy, it is also not allowed to ascend to the pulpit and solea.

Since ancient times, it has been established to perform divine services three times a day: in the evening, in the morning and in the afternoon - the liturgy. You should know that the church day begins not at 0 o'clock on the calendar day, but at 18 o'clock on the previous day.

The entrance to the temple from the street is usually arranged in the form of a porch - a platform in front of the entrance doors, to which several steps lead. When approaching the temple, you need to make the sign of the cross and bow from the waist. When going up to the porch, before entering the doors, you again need to sign yourself with the sign of the cross. You should not pray for a long time and for show while standing on the street.

You should arrive at the temple 10-15 minutes before the start of the service. During this time, you can submit notes, put a donation on the eve, buy candles, put them on and venerate the icons. If you are late, you must behave in such a way as not to disturb the prayer of others. If it is not possible to freely approach the icons and light candles, ask them to pass the candles through other people.

During the service, men should stand on the right side of the temple, women on the left, leaving a clear passage from the main doors to the Royal Doors. It is forbidden to sit in an Orthodox church, the only exception being the parishioner’s ill health or severe fatigue.

In a temple, it is indecent to show curiosity and look at others. It is unacceptable to condemn and ridicule the involuntary mistakes of employees or those present in the temple. It is forbidden to talk during the service. One should not condemn or reprimand a newcomer who does not know the church rules. It is better to help him with polite and kind advice. Candles should only be purchased from the temple you came to. If possible, you should not leave the temple until the end of the service.

When visiting temples, you are supposed to dress so that most of your body is covered. It is not customary to go to church in shorts and sportswear. Whenever possible, men and women should also avoid T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts. A woman's head must be covered. Men are required to remove their hats before entering the temple.

In an informal setting, clergy are usually called as follows:

• Patriarcha - His Holiness;
• bishop - lord;
• priest - father;
• abbess - mother;
• deacon - deacon.

It is not customary at meetings to greet clergy with exclamations: “Hello, father!” or "Hello, sir!" You should say: “Father, bless!” or “Master, bless!”

You should not ask for blessings from deacons and ordinary monks, since they do not have the right to do this. The blessing is given by priests and bishops, as well as by the abbess of monasteries in the rank of abbess. When accepting a blessing, you should fold your palms crosswise (right palm on top of the left) and kiss the right, blessing hand of the clergyman; there is no need to cross yourself before doing this.

Catholic Church

A Catholic church has generally the same structure as an Orthodox church. The most significant difference that catches your eye is the absence of an iconostasis. Instead, there is a low altar barrier. The church has a central part - the altar, or presbytery - the place where worship takes place and where the Holy Gifts - bread and wine transubstantiated into the Body and Blood of Christ - are kept. You can recognize this place by the unquenchable lamp burning in front of the tabernacle.

In addition to the central altar, there may be side chapels in honor of saints. The church also has a special place for the choir and a sacristy (a separate room for church servants and storage of liturgical vestments and objects).

Men must remove their hats when entering the temple. Headscarves are not required for women. There are also no special standards in clothing or use of cosmetics. Appearing in the temple in shorts or too revealing clothing is not welcome, and in some temples, including St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, it is prohibited.

At the entrance to the temple there is a vessel with consecrated water, or a crypt, into which the fingers of the right hand are dipped and then crossed.

Immediately upon entering the temple, kneeling (right knee) is performed before the tabernacle. And subsequently, passing by the tabernacle, they kneel or at least bow their heads. Catholics are baptized in a different order from Orthodox Christians - first the left shoulder, then the right. There are no special moments outside the liturgy when the sign of the cross is required.

In the temple there are rows of prayer benches, and at the bottom there are low benches (people kneel on them during worship). Confession in a Catholic church is performed in special confessionals - small booths for the priest and the confessor. If someone is talking in the confessional, you should not be within earshot, nor should you approach the priest during his conversation with someone - this can be a purely spiritual and personal conversation. One should not interrupt the prayer or silent contemplation of believers; one should wait until they finish.

Actually, this limits the basic rules of conduct in a Catholic church.

The head of the Catholic Church is the Pope.

Appeals to clergy:

• to the Pope - Your Holiness;
• to the cardinal and archbishop - Your Eminence;
• to the bishop - Your Eminence (personal - Vladyka).

For persons belonging to the highest church hierarchy, the title “Monsignor” is also used, added to the title. The rector of the temple is addressed as “Your Reverence.” In a personal conversation, you can address all priests as “father,” monks as “brother,” and nuns as “sister.”

It is very difficult to distinguish one rank from another in everyday life, therefore, when preparing for a meeting with a priest, you need to know his title in advance. However, the presence of a red belt, piuska (a red bishop's cap or a non-black cassock), as a rule, indicates belonging to the highest hierarchy. True, in everyday life the priesthood wears ordinary dark suits with dark shirts and a white stripe under the collar.

In communication with the priesthood, two levels must be distinguished - the one when, during a meeting, the priest is called to perform a divine service or sacrament, and the usual conversation. The conversation is subject to the rules of normal etiquette.

The Catholic priesthood takes a vow of celibacy, so it is tactless to be interested in your interlocutor. Another feature is that, as a rule, the priest is the first to offer his hand, including to women.

Synagogue

The center of religious and social life of the Jewish community is the synagogue.

Currently, various currents coexist in Judaism - from ultra-Orthodox to ultra-liberal. Accordingly, synagogue services in different Jewish communities can vary significantly. The ancient traditions are most preserved in Orthodox Judaism.

Services in Orthodox synagogues are usually held three times a day; On holidays and Saturdays, additional prayers are read. For worship to take place, at least ten men over 13 years of age must be present to form a minyan (quorum).

The seats for women in the synagogue are either separated from the seats for men by a partition, or women occupy seats in the gallery.

Men are forbidden to be in the synagogue with their heads uncovered, so during morning prayer they wear a special prayer shawl (tallit), which is a rectangular piece of woolen material with four tassels at the corners (tzitzit). On weekdays, during morning prayer, men put on tefillin - leather boxes with pieces of parchment with passages of Holy Scripture enclosed in them. With the help of long straps, these boxes are tied to the forehead and left hand of the worshipers.

Prayers are said standing or sitting: those praying are not allowed to prostrate or kneel, with the exception of certain moments of festive services.

When entering the synagogue and reading some prayers, it is customary to bow your head. Prayers are recited in Hebrew, and a number of prayers are recited in Aramite (Aramaic), the language of everyday communication of the ancient Jews.

The order of worship developed over the centuries involves the recitation of certain prayers, the sequence of which corresponds to one or another day of the religious calendar. Any adult Jewish male can lead a service. In large communities, a particularly revered person (khazzan) is usually appointed to read prayers on holidays and Saturdays, sometimes accompanied by a male choir. Some parts of the liturgy are sung by everyone present in the synagogue.

In many communities belonging to other branches of Judaism - Conservative, Reform, Liberal - synagogue traditions can differ significantly. Thus, in reform communities, men and women sit together. Men may not wear a tallit or tefillin, although they often wear a special cap (kippah) on their heads. The synagogue choir in Reform and many Conservative synagogues includes women. In many countries, part of the service may be conducted in the language of that country, and the ratio of prayers in Hebrew to prayers in another language varies among different communities. The very composition of prayers in the services of various communities is also changing.

Rabbis still lead Jewish communities today, although much of their leadership is in the nature of spiritual mentoring. The responsibilities of rabbis include organizing solemn religious ceremonies - marriages, funerals, etc.

The functions and position of the rabbinate may differ in different countries of the world. Thus, in Israel, rabbis are government officials. They are confirmed in office by the chief rabbis and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and take on some of the important government and judicial functions.

Unlike other religions, where there are certain rules of etiquette in dealing with clergy of various ranks, in Judaism as a whole there are no such rules. The only thing is that when addressing a rabbi by name, the word “rabbi” is sometimes added.

Mosque

A mosque is a prayer building for Muslims. It is not a holy place, a temple in the full sense of the word. The only exception is Masjid al-Haram - the “forbidden mosque”, which is located in Mecca. In the center of Masjid al-Haram stands the Kaaba, the main shrine of Muslims.

The mosque organizes various holidays, not necessarily religious ones, performances by Islamic figures, Koran recitation competitions, etc. In addition, visitors can always spend the night in the mosque.

Five times a day, at a strictly defined time, the azan is heard from the minaret - the call to prayer. The muezzin proclaims it. Inside the mosque, the direction of prayer is determined by the mihrab - a special niche in the wall facing Mecca. To the right of the mihrab in the cathedral mosque there is a minbar - a platform for the preacher.

Women usually pray on the second floor or in a partitioned off part of the first floor. The entrance to the mosque for men and women can be either common or separate. Although the mosque is not a holy place, certain rules are honored that apply to anyone who comes to the mosque, regardless of religion.

The appearance of a visitor to a mosque should not offend the eyes of believers: he should wear clean, modest and fairly covered clothing. For women, clothing should cover the entire body, with the exception of the face, hands and feet, its color should not be provocatively bright, and its silhouette should be tight-fitting. Women should completely hide their hair under a headscarf.

The floor of the mosque is covered with carpets, shoes are left at the entrance. In large mosques, special employees accept shoes and issue a token. Visitors to the mosque behave very relaxed: they sit or lie on the floor, eat, sleep, and communicate with each other. But at the same time, at any time someone can perform namaz, that is, pray. Believers read the Koran or simply focus on the thought of the Almighty. Therefore, you should not raise your voice, laugh, swear, etc. Some of the generally accepted prayers (Our Father (Pater noster), Hail Mary (Ave Maria), ...) can be sounded in Latin. The presence of an organ in the church. It would never occur to a parishioner to enter a church in shorts, a T-shirt, a sundress (you can throw a headscarf over your bare shoulders) or a mini dress. But a visiting tourist (our town is a resort) will not be reprimanded or shown the door, nor will they be asked his religion - the temple is open to everyone, all His children. It is not necessary for those who come to know the Order of the Mass (order of service) and strictly observe it - it is enough to behave quietly and respectfully to the feelings of those present.
A lay minister may assist the Catholic priest in conducting the service. In the Liturgy of the Word, a passage from the Old or New Testament can be read by a parishioner or a female parishioner (no distinction is made between men and women). A sister (nun) has the right to go behind the altar. A woman is not prohibited from visiting the temple on critical days.
In addition to the Mass, almost every day there is an Exhibition of the Holy Gifts (bread and wine, which, through the prayer of the Church, by the power of the Holy Spirit, become the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ) - a private prayer of the parishioner before the Holy Gifts. Collective prayer of the Rosary (on the rosary) and reflections on 15 mysteries from the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Church is a special place. The norms of behavior in a church of any denomination went through a very long process of development. Each religion provides its own norms and rules of behavior in the house of God. The general norms of behavior in all churches are only the following: do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, do not make noise and behave with respect for the place of God’s presence. All other rules are very different. With the advent of the opportunity to travel abroad, many tourists have the opportunity to visit countries with a different religion. Knowing the rules of etiquette when visiting a synagogue can be helpful.

The center of religious and social life of the Jewish community is the synagogue. Currently, various currents coexist in Judaism - from ultra-Orthodox to ultra-liberal. Accordingly, synagogue services in different Jewish communities can vary significantly. The ancient traditions are most preserved in Orthodox Judaism.

Services in Orthodox synagogues are usually held three times a day, with additional prayers being said on holidays and Saturdays. For worship to take place, at least ten men over 13 years of age must be present to form a minyan (quorum).

The seats for women in the synagogue are either separated from the seats for men by a partition, or women occupy seats in the gallery. Men are forbidden to be in the synagogue with their heads uncovered, so during morning prayer they wear a special prayer shawl (tallit), which is a rectangular piece of woolen material with four tassels at the corners (tzitzit). On weekdays, during morning prayer, men put on tefillin - leather boxes with pieces of parchment with passages of Holy Scripture enclosed in them. With the help of long straps, these boxes are tied to the forehead and left hand of the worshipers.

Prayers are said standing or sitting: those praying are not allowed to prostrate or kneel, with the exception of certain moments of festive services.

When entering the synagogue and reading some prayers, it is customary to bow your head. The prayers are recited in Hebrew, and a number of prayers are recited in Aramite, the (Aramaic) language of everyday communication of the ancient Jews.

The order of worship developed over the centuries involves the recitation of certain prayers, the sequence of which corresponds to one or another day of the religious calendar. Any adult Jewish male can lead a service. In large communities, a particularly revered person (khazzan) is usually appointed to read prayers on holidays and Saturdays, sometimes accompanied by a male choir. Some parts of the liturgy are sung by everyone present in the synagogue.

In many communities belonging to other branches of Judaism - Conservative, Reform, Liberal - synagogue traditions can differ significantly. Thus, in reform communities, men and women sit together. Men may not wear a tallit or tefillin, although they often wear a special cap (kippah) on their heads.

The synagogue choir in Reform and many Conservative synagogues includes women. In many countries, part of the service may be conducted in the language of that country, and the ratio of prayers in Hebrew to prayers in another language varies among different communities. The very composition of prayers in the services of various communities is also changing.

Rabbis still lead Jewish communities today, although much of their leadership is in the nature of spiritual mentoring. The responsibilities of rabbis include organizing solemn religious ceremonies - marriages, funerals, etc.

The functions and position of the rabbinate may differ in different countries of the world. Thus, in Israel, rabbis are government officials. They are confirmed in office by the chief rabbis, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and take on some of the important government and judicial functions.

Unlike other religions, where there are certain rules of etiquette in dealing with clergy of various ranks, in Judaism as a whole there are no such rules. The only thing is that when addressing a rabbi by name, the word “rabbi” is sometimes added.

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Is it possible for a Christian who is not a Jew to go to synagogue?

Is it possible for a Christian who is not a Jew to go to synagogue?(Andrey)

Answers Mikhail, rabbi of the Messianic community of Vinnitsa:

I would like to understand what exactly you are interested in:

1. Is it possible for a Christian to go to the synagogue from the point of view of the rules of Christian decency? That is, wouldn't it be a sin?
2. Is it possible for a Christian to go to the synagogue from the point of view of representatives of Orthodox Judaism - will a Christian be allowed to enter there?
3. Is it useful for a Christian to go to the synagogue? Will it be edifying for him?
4. Is it possible for a Christian to go to the synagogue to preach the Gospel there?

Let's take it in order.

1. Wouldn't this be a sin?

And here is some of the Apostolic Rules:

"70. If anyone, a bishop, or a presbyter, or a deacon, or in general from the list of clergy, fasts with the Jews, or celebrates with them, or accepts from them the gifts of their holidays, such as unleavened bread, or something similar: let him be cast out. If he is a layman, let him be excommunicated.

71. If any Christian brings oil to a pagan temple or to a Jewish synagogue on their holidays, or lights a candle, he will be excommunicated from church communion.”

Moreover, in addition to visiting synagogues and celebrating Jewish holidays ( What is meant? Biblical holidays of Israel?), the decrees of church councils also prohibited being treated by Jewish doctors and even washing with Jews in the bathhouse. Here, in particular, is the 11th rule of the Trullo (“Fifth-sixth”, 691 - 692) Ecumenical Council:

“None of those belonging to the sacred rank, or of the laity, should at all eat unleavened bread given by the Jews, or enter into fellowship with them, or call on them when sick, and accept medicine from them, or wash with them in baths. If anyone dares to do this, then let the cleric be deposed, and let the layman be excommunicated.”

At the same time, the rules of this cathedral, as relics of paganism, prohibited fortune telling, mummers' carnivals and even learned bears. Later, the phrase "the accused was seen taking a bath" became common in Inquisition reports, as undoubted evidence of heresy.

Formally, even today, any Orthodox Christian can be excommunicated from the Church for going to the bathhouse together with a Jew. According to Priest Vsevolod Chaplin, an employee of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, “ The church is experiencing great difficulties due to the fact that our canon law today cannot always be applied literally. Otherwise, everyone needs to be excommunicated from the Church. If an Orthodox Christian goes to a bathhouse, he must keep an eye on whether there is a Jew nearby. After all, according to canonical rules, an Orthodox Christian cannot bathe in a bathhouse with a Jew.».

So, if in his Christianity a person is guided by the above regulations, then he is categorically not recommended to enter the synagogue. If you look at the Bible, you can see that such New Testament personalities as Paul and his comrades, for example, did not find anything sinful in entering the synagogue. Moreover, when they came to different cities of pagan Europe unknown to them, the first thing they did was look for a synagogue and served there for some time:

Having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. Paul, as was his custom (!), went in to them and spoke to them from the Scriptures for three Sabbaths (Acts 17:1,2)

While waiting for them in Athens, Paul was troubled in spirit at the sight of this city full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped [God], and daily in the marketplace with those who met.

After this Paul, leaving Athens, came to Corinth... On every Sabbath he spoke in the synagogue and convinced the Jews and Greeks. (Acts 18:1,4)

Compare, Andrey, these passages from Scripture with what is written in the so-called. Apostolic rules, and choose what is closer to you.

In general, the idea to prohibit believers from entering synagogues arose due to the fact that it happened that many weak, untrained believers in the church were discouraged by the sermons of rabbis from visiting church temples and were dissuaded from the divinity of the personality of Mashiach Yeshua. Uneducated, sometimes even unable to read, the priests often simply looked pale compared to the synagogue preachers who were well-versed in their work. Nothing better than to prohibit, under pain of excommunication and damnation, non-Jewish believers (usually nominal Christians from the common people, although sometimes there were high-ranking personalities among them - for example, this was the confessor of one of the Visigothic kings of Spain) from entering synagogues, the authors of such decrees not found.

2. Will a Christian be allowed to enter there?

As far as I know, there are no obstacles for a non-Jew to enter the synagogue. The only thing they may ask at the entrance is that the person put a kippah on his head, which they may immediately offer. But, any other headdress, hat or baseball cap will do instead.

3. Will this be edifying for him?

Is it good for a non-Jewish Christian to go to synagogue? Well, if someone is interested in listening to the reading from the Scriptures in a language they do not understand, then they can go and listen. Most Jews, by the way, during synagogue services on Saturdays held in the territory of the former USSR also do not understand what they are talking about, since they do not know Hebrew. In many synagogues, services are now held extremely irregularly, due to the lack of a minyan, i.e., the minimum required number of Jewish men of ten people.

4. Is it possible to preach the Gospel there?

If we are talking about the state of affairs in the territory of the former Soviet Union, then the synagogue, today, is not the best place to preach the Gospel. If only because sometimes it’s difficult to find anyone there, even on Shabbat.

It happens that a non-Jewish Christian finds in the Scriptures a call from God to testify to the Jews about salvation through Yeshua the Messiah. Further, he sees in the Bible how the same Rabbi Shaul (Apostle Paul) regularly preached in synagogues and was very successful in this. What decision can ripen in the head of such a believing non-Jewish Christian? That's right, go to the synagogue and save Israel. But here is the difference between the situation in the synagogue in Paul's time and the situation there today:

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1) In the first century, synagogues were regularly filled with Jews who knew the Torah and prophecies. Paul's word fell on fertile ground if anyone listening wanted to really understand the topic;

2) Now people who come to meetings in the synagogue may not even believe in God, not to mention at least some knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, it is difficult for me to understand how a non-Jew can receive the word in the synagogue, while meeting there, to preach the Gospel? Unless, try to speak without permission, which will not last long and, most likely, will lead to results that are exactly the opposite of those expected.

The overwhelming majority of Jews in post-Soviet territory are now outside the synagogue. And if a non-Jewish Christian has a desire to testify to a Jew about salvation, he does not have to start doing this in the synagogue now. Quite the contrary.

RULES OF CONDUCT IN THE SYNAGOGUE

Everyone who comes to the synagogue is a welcome guest. Don’t hesitate to ask more “experienced” parishioners if you don’t know what to do in a particular case. We hope that the rules below will make your visit to the synagogue more comfortable.

Cloth

Dress for visiting the synagogue should be decent and neat. It is not customary to attend synagogue wearing shorts, a tracksuit, swimming trunks, or plumber's work clothes.

Women

According to Jewish law, a married woman's hair must be covered. This could be a wig, scarf or any other headdress. According to the laws of Jewish modesty, a woman’s arms up to the elbows must be covered with sleeves, and her legs below the knee must be covered with a skirt, so it is not customary to attend the synagogue in open clothes. According to tradition, it is not customary for a woman to wear trousers, so it is better to come to the synagogue in a skirt or dress.

Men

Men can only be in the synagogue with their heads covered. Most often, a kippah is worn on the head, although it can be any other headdress. In fact, according to Jewish tradition, one should cover one’s head not only in the synagogue: it is a sign of recognition of the power of God, whose will is often impossible to comprehend with reason.

As for practice, no one specifically controls the compliance of the appearance of the person with the existing rules. A reprimand may be given to a man with his head uncovered or in case of a flagrant violation of generally accepted standards of decency.

Mezuzah

When crossing the threshold of the synagogue, you need to touch the mezuzah mounted on the door frame - a case in which a parchment with a passage from the Torah is inserted. But in some synagogues there may not be a mezuzah, since the obligation to install a mezuzah applies primarily to private residential premises, and the synagogue is not one.

Behavior

The rules of conduct in the synagogue follow a clear logic and are quite obvious. In the synagogue, as in any other place, you should behave with dignity, not interrupt the rabbi’s speech with your remarks, not interfere with the cantor’s prayer with loud conversations, etc. and so on. You should not take very young children with you to prayer if they disturb those praying. Previously, there were synagogues intended only for prayer, and then it was impossible to even talk about business in this room, but nowadays almost all synagogues are built with the condition that they can also do everyday business.

According to Jewish law, a man can touch a woman only if she is his closest relative (mother, sister, daughter) or wife, so when meeting between a man and a woman, it is not customary to shake hands, hug or kiss.

Where to get a prayer book (Siddur)

Usually there is a special rack or cabinet for storing prayer books in the synagogue. If he is not visible, you can go up and ask the shames or any person praying.

If you are late for prayer

Like any delay, being late for prayer is not welcome. But if you are still late for the beginning of the prayer, this does not mean that you cannot enter the prayer hall. Come in without hesitation, no one will judge you. You need to take the prayer book and ask to be shown where they are reading it now. If for some reason you need to leave before the prayer ends, you can leave the prayer hall without drawing much attention to yourself.

On Saturday

On Saturday you cannot do everyday things, and it is also not customary to talk about business. Transactions are also prohibited, so the synagogue store is closed on Saturday. The restaurant is open, but to get there, the order must be paid in advance. One of the strictest prohibitions on Saturday is the prohibition of lighting a fire, so smoking is also prohibited.

Synagogue rules

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RULES OF CONDUCT IN THE SYNAGOGUE

Every a person who comes to the synagogue is a welcome guest. If you don’t know what to do in a particular case, don’t hesitate to ask more “experienced” parishioners. We hope that the rules below will make your visit to the synagogue more comfortable.

Cloth When visiting a synagogue, one must be neat and dignified. It is prohibited to visit the synagogue in a tracksuit, shorts, or work clothes.

Women. According to Jewish law, a married woman's hair must be covered. This could be a scarf or any other headdress. A woman’s arms up to the elbows should be covered with sleeves, and her legs below the knee should be covered with a skirt, so it is not customary to attend the synagogue in open clothes. According to Jewish tradition, it is not customary for a woman to wear trousers. Therefore, it is better to visit the synagogue in a skirt or dress.

M men You can only be in the synagogue with your head covered. Most often, a kippah is worn on the head, although it can be any other headdress. As for practice, no one specifically controls the compliance of the appearance of the person with the existing rules. A reprimand may be given to a man with his head uncovered or in case of a flagrant violation of generally accepted standards of decency.

During prayer, men and women should be in separate rooms. Usually synagogues have a special section, balcony or gallery for women. According to Jewish law, it is not forbidden to take a child of the opposite sex with you to a prayer room if he is no more than 9 years old. These rules apply only during the prayer itself. In any other situation, for example, during a festive meal or a concert, men and women can be anywhere: men can go to the women's gallery, women can go to the prayer hall.

Mezuzah (Hebrew: מְזוּזָה‎, lit. `doorpost`)
When crossing the threshold of the synagogue, you must touch the mezuzah mounted on the door frame. A mezuzah is a case in which a parchment containing a passage from the Torah is inserted. However, some synagogues may not have a mezuzah, since the obligation to install a mezuzah applies primarily to private residential premises.

Behavior. In the synagogue, as in any other place, one should behave with dignity and decentness, not interrupt the rabbi’s speech with his remarks, and not interfere with the prayer with loud conversations. According to Jewish law, a man can touch a woman only if she is his closest relative (mother, sister, daughter) or wife. Therefore, when a man and a woman meet, it is not customary to shake hands, much less hug and kiss.

With lying down For many centuries, the order of worship has provided for the recitation of certain prayers, the sequence of which corresponds to one or another day of the religious calendar. Any adult male (Jew) can lead the service. In some large Jewish communities, a particularly revered person (khazzan) is specially appointed to read prayers, usually on holidays and Saturdays, and is sometimes accompanied by a male choir. Some parts of the liturgy are sung by all the congregation in the synagogue.

Metal case for Jewish mezuzahs. The capital letter "ש" means "שדי" (Shaddai), one of the names of God in Judaism. At the bottom “ירושלים” - (Jerusalem).

www.ikg-bad-bad.de

The rules were drawn up in connection with the increasing frequency of attacks on Jews in Europe and the growing terrorist threat in the world. The rules are intended to ensure the physical safety and peace of mind of those worshiping at Tahart HaKodesh Synagogue, and these rules must be strictly adhered to.

The only synagogue in Vilnius that survived the Holocaust and Soviet occupation, Tahart HaKodesh, was built in 1903 and is based on the misnagdim tradition. The synagogue belongs to the Vilnius Jewish religious community.

Every Jew has the right to attend and pray in the Tahart HaKodesh synagogue, provided that he follows the rules set out below.

Rules of conduct in the Taharat HaKodesh synagogue

1. The synagogue is a place of public worship.

2. Religious activities and prayers are based on the traditions of misnagdim.

3. During and after prayers, public order should be maintained. Public order is a system of relations between people that has developed in society, rules of behavior based on the principles of mutual respect and morality.

4. Compliance with these rules ensures tolerant communication between people, a civilized way of resolving conflicts that arise. In the synagogue, it is prohibited to show disrespect for others by insolent behavior, threats, bullying or vandalism, as well as to disturb public peace and order, to use obscene language, to behave in an unworthy manner, to interrupt the sermon, to make noise and to disturb prayer.

5. Prayers are read in one of the existing halls in the synagogue.

6. A person wishing to speak publicly in a synagogue must obtain permission from the rabbi working in the synagogue.

7. Both personal disputes and disputes related to the manner of conducting prayers and other religious rituals are prohibited in the synagogue. Suggestions regarding prayers and other religious observances can be discussed with the rabbi only when prayer or other religious observances are not taking place. These rules also apply in the Kiddush and lecture rooms.

8. The opening and closing times of the synagogue are set and officially announced by the Board of the Vilnius Jewish Religious Community. The board hires synagogue security officers and technical staff and sets their working hours. Special cases are discussed with the chairman of the Vilnius Jewish Religious Community.

9. The person reading the Torah and leading the prayer is appointed or hired by the chairman of the Vilnius Jewish Religious Community with the support of the Board of the Vilnius Jewish Religious Community. All persons present in the synagogue at this time are obliged to adhere to this order.

10. Persons visiting the synagogue must be decently and neatly dressed. Men can only be in the synagogue with their heads covered. Most often, a kippah is worn on the head, although it can be any other headdress. It is prohibited to use mobile phones during prayer.

11. Persons with firearms or bladed weapons (except for employees of the Synagogue Security Service), as well as with objects that can be used as weapons, are prohibited from entering the synagogue. In addition, entry is prohibited to persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as suspicious persons.

12. Without the consent of the chairman of the Vilnius Jewish religious community, it is prohibited to organize rallies, meetings, meetings, set the table, or engage in trade in the synagogue.

13. Worshipers and visitors to the synagogue are required to obey the instructions of the chairman, the elder and the synagogue Security Service acting on behalf of the Vilnius Jewish Religious Community.
14. Persons who violate the procedure established by these Rules will be removed from the synagogue by Security Service employees, and later they may be prohibited from entering the synagogue. In addition, they may be held accountable in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Lithuania.

15. The keys to the synagogue, as well as all access to communications, are under the protection and control of the chairman of the Vilnius Jewish religious community.

16. All persons present in the synagogue are required to obey the requirements of the Security Service officer. Its functions are equivalent to a guardian of public order.

Chairman of the Vilnius Jewish Religious Community Shmuel Levin

The synagogue is a Jewish temple.

It represents the center of religion for representatives of Jewish nationality. Everyone who comes inside is greeted wonderfully here. Therefore, if you do not know the rules of behavior in the synagogue, there is no need to be afraid. You can ask more experienced parishioners for advice.

We advise you to visit the central Moscow synagogue - Beis Menachem. Prayers are held here daily, as well as classes to help you study the Torah.

It was erected on the site of the destroyed Jewish temple “Maryina Roshcha”. Before visiting the presented place, we advise you to read the following recommendations:

1) appearance should be discreet. Shorts, sportswear, short dresses or skirts are not suitable for visiting the synagogue. It is necessary that the head is covered. The most suitable headdress is the Jewish kippah;

2) when crossing the threshold of the synagogue, you need to touch the case located on the door.

It is a mezuzah containing a passage of text from the Holy Torah. Also on the shelves are prayer books - siddur, which any parishioner can familiarize themselves with;

3) behavior in the temple must be worthy. Swearing, foul language, and smoking are not allowed within the walls of the synagogue. You cannot visit the temple if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is forbidden to interrupt the rabbi, talk loudly, and interfere with other people’s prayers.

According to the rules of the Jewish community, a man can touch a representative of the opposite sex if she is his mother, daughter, sister or wife. Thus, when meeting a friend of the fairer sex, you cannot shake hands with her, hug or kiss.

Saturday is a special day for the Jewish community. On this day it is forbidden to work, talk about business, or enter into any transactions. Also on Saturday the shop in the synagogue is closed, so if you want to buy something, you can do it on any other day.