How to Behave in an Orthodox Synagogue

Whether you are attending a Jewish prayer service for the first time or are reminiscing about your bar mitzvah, you may wonder how to behave in an Orthodox synagogue. While Reform temples and Conservative synagogues may seem more casual, an Orthodox shul need not be intimidating if you know what to expect. Observing or participating in a traditional Shabbat (Sabbath) prayer service will provide a priceless glimpse into a religion and culture that has lasted for over 3,000 years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn the order of a Jewish prayer service, so you will have an idea of the sequence. In general, Friday evening services are much shorter than those on Shabbat day, so be prepared to stay for a while if you are going on Saturday. If you know the sections of the prayer service, it will be more enjoyable and accessible.

2. Decide whether you are going as an observer or as a participant. If you want to pray, keep in mind that Orthodox services are in Hebrew. If you do not read Hebrew, bring a prayer book in English. Observers should also bring something to read to avoid standing out in the crowd.

3. Shut off your cell phone and leave your pens at home. Out of consideration to worshippers who do not use these items on Shabbat, those who want to behave properly in an Orthodox synagogue should not use these items during prayers.

4. Dress modestly. Orthodox Jews adhere to certain rules concerning how to dress. Women should wear long skirts and long-sleeved shirts with narrow collars, and men should wear long pants as well as long-sleeved shirts. Whether a man is Jewish or not, he should wear a yarmulke out of respect.

5. Keep children occupied with quiet toys, snacks or other activities. The subject of whether or not to bring children to an Orthodox synagogue should be discussed with someone from the community beforehand. If your children can behave well, they probably will not cause a disturbance and will benefit from the experience.

6. Sit and stand with the congregation. Unless you are praying certain sections of the service in which movement is not permitted, you should follow the congregation and sit and stand with the rest of the worshippers.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that the morning service is quite long. While many observant Jews do not eat before praying, you may want to eat a good breakfast if you are not accustomed to going without food in the middle of the morning until noon. Some religious Jews do eat some kind of breakfast, and if you have a rabbi, you should ask his advice.
• Avoid speaking during the prayer service, particularly during silent prayers and during the reading of Scripture.
• Do not eat during the prayer service. However, no one should be offended if your young children have a snack.

Resources

• A site dedicated to learning the basics of Jewish life and practice.
• A site with information for those who want to learn about the Chabad Chassidic branch of Judaism.