Visitors

Temple Shalom welcomes students and other visitors, and we invite you to participate with us in our religious services. We hope this introduction will provide you with the information you need to understand, feel comfortable, and get the most from your visit. 

All attendees must Register to Attend.  Please register as a guest to attend services.

PRAYER SERVICES AND BOOKS: As Jews, we pray directly to God, without an intermediary such as a minister or priest. The Rabbi, meaning "teacher," leads the services, announces which prayers are being said, provides explanations, and tells the congregants which prayers should be said while standing. If the Rabbi is unavailable, a lay member of the congregation will lead the services. The prayer books are written in Hebrew and have English translations for each prayer. Some books also have transliteration, i.e., Hebrew written in Roman letters. Since Hebrew reads from right to left, the books will appear to open from the wrong direction, but the pages are numbered so you will be able to follow the services.

TYPES OF SERVICES: There are two Shabbat services at Temple Shalom each week. While all services contain the same principle elements, there are some differences in the form and specific prayers. Temple Shalom is aligned with both Reform and Conservative beliefs in Judaism, and the services reflect the traditions of each movement. The Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset each Friday and concludes at sunset each Saturday. Therefore, the Sabbath services occur on Friday evening and Saturday morning. 

On most weeks, Friday evening services follow the Reform tradition. Much of the service is conducted in English, with some Hebrew. Music and song are an integral part of the evening Shabbat.  These services last approximately 60 to 90 minutes and are followed by an "Oneg Shabbat," a reception starting with blessings over wine and bread, and continuing with refreshments. 

Saturday morning services are most likely to follow the Conservative tradition. It is primarily in Hebrew, with some English. The Rabbi begins at 9:30 AM by leading a morning service, Shacharit. At 10:00 AM, the morning Sabbath service starts. (Also on this web site is "Information for Visitors Attending Sabbath Morning Services," It provides information about objects in the Sanctuary and more details about the service itself, including the Reading of the Torah.) The service lasts until approximately 12:30 PM, and is followed by the blessings over wine and bread, and a collaborative lunch in the Social Hall.

CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES TO BE AWARE OF: As in religious services of all faiths, there are certain customs and practices we follow. Most of them are required by Jewish law, and we appreciate your also observing them while at the Temple. (While you may be visiting in order to observe and learn, the synagogue is not a museum, and congregants are there to worship. Therefore, it may be offensive or disruptive if you do not respect the following.)

When attending services, please dress modestly (e.g., no mini skirts, short shorts, or sleeve-less blouses or shirts). Boys and men are asked to cover their heads as a sign of respect in the Sanctuary by wearing kippot (also known as yarmulkes or skullcaps). They are available in the foyer. Women may also wish to cover their heads, but it is not required. You'll notice that Jewish men and some women wear a Tallit (prayer shawl) during services where the Torah is being read, but since that serves a religious purpose, non-Jews do not do so.

Observant Jews do not work, conduct business, or create anything during the Sabbath, observing it as a complete day of rest. Therefore, while in the Temple on the Sabbath, please do not write or take notes, use cell phones or other electronic devices, use a camera or take pictures, or smoke (actually, the entire synagogue is tobacco-free at all times).

SPECIAL NOTE FOR STUDENTS: We understand that you may have an assignment to write a paper on what you observe and experience. Please wait until after you leave the Temple before you write down your observations. While you are at the Temple, feel free to ask the Rabbi, ushers, or congregants any questions about the services or Judaism. (Please remember that there is a wide range of knowledge and understanding about Judaism, and varying degrees of religious observance among Jews. Therefore, you may wish to clarify whether their answers reflect the personal beliefs and practices of the individuals you talk with, or whether they are universally accepted within Judaism.) The web site  myjewishlearning.com is especially useful in getting explanations and obtaining information about Judaism.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR CLASSES OR GROUPS: See the Group Visits page for information. When you call the office, please let them know you'd like to attend as a group. If possible, we'll arrange for someone to talk with the group after the services, to provide additional information about the Sanctuary and Judaism, and to answer questions.

Visitors and Guests: To join us for Services and programs, please contact the office and register as a guest or fill out this online form 24 hours in advance. You will be asked to provide your full name and a photo identification for security purposes.