For Guests

Information for Our Guests:
We look forward to welcoming you personally to Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, Massachusetts. We are affiliated with the Reform Movement of Judaism, (Union for Reform Judaism or “URJ” www.urj.orj ) and our prayer services include prayers in both English and Hebrew. As a guest in our home, we want you to feel comfortable and we know that you probably have some questions for us.

I’ve Never Been To a Temple Before, What Can I Expect?
At Temple Beth Shalom our services include prayers in both English and Hebrew. Your participation is welcomed by reading or singing along with us but there is nothing that you have to do. There are times during the services when the congregation is asked to rise or be seated and we would appreciate if you would follow the lead of the congregation so that you will feel most comfortable.

What To Wear?
We respectfully request that clothing be appropriately modest. As guests in a synagogue, please dress for the religious service rather than for the party that may follow. Formal evening wear is not appropriate for our Shabbat services.

Do I Need a Kippah or Tallit?
While we encourage people to wear ritual garb such as a kippah/yarmulke (headcovering), or a tallit (prayer shawl), you are free to do as you are comfortable. As wearing a tallit represents acceptance of the mitzvot or commandments in the Torah, it is not appropriate for children who are pre-B’nei Mitzvah or for people of other faith traditions to wear one.

Sanctuary Decorum
We ask all in attendance to behave in a manner befitting a house of worship. Therefore, gum chewing, applause, or excessive talking are inappropriate during services. We also ask that all cellphones are silenced and that no text messaging takes place within the sanctuary.

What Do I Need To Know If I Have An Aliyah?
First of all, Mazal Tov! Congratulations! You’ve been given the honor of reciting the blessings before and after the Torah reading. The Bar or Bat Mitzvah has spent months preparing for this special day and the best way you can honor them is by taking time to review or learn the Torah blessings so that you can comfortably do them in front of the congregation. If you have any questions, please contact Rabbi Lenke.