The synagogue is a Jewish temple, the center of the religious life of the Jewish community. Usually it welcomes everyone who went inside, even if a person has no idea about the prescribed rules of behavior. Therefore, do not be shy, on the contrary, you should ask experienced parishioners what to do in this or that case. However, to feel more confident, learn the basic rules.
Instruction manual
1
Dress neatly and not too frankly. When going to the temple, give up the idea of putting on shorts, a tracksuit or a too short skirt. A woman should cover her hair with a scarf, beret, hat, other headdress or be in a wig. Unlike Orthodox traditions, men must also enter the synagogue with their heads covered. Any headgear will do, but it’s best if you have a Jewish bale.
2
When you cross the threshold of the temple, be sure to touch the case, which is attached to the door jamb. This is a mezuzah, it contains a parchment scroll with an excerpt from the holy Torah. True, there are synagogues in which there are no mezuzahs. But prayer books (siddur) are in any case. Usually they are stored in special cabinets or racks, and any visitor can take them. Ask a shames or an ordinary parishioner where you can find siddur.
3
In general, you should behave yourself in the synagogue, as in any other church, with dignity - do not swear, do not swear, do not be even intoxicated, do not smoke. Do not interrupt the speech of the rabbi with your conversations, do not interfere with prayer to the cantor. This does not mean that one cannot exchange comments at all, but the main thing is not to speak loudly. Do not take very young children to service, they can interfere with those who pray. According to Jewish rules, a man can touch a woman in the temple only in one case: if she is with him in the closest relationship (mother, daughter, sister or wife). Therefore, do not shake hands with female friends you meet in the temple, do not hug and kiss them.
note
Saturday is a special day for the Jews. Surely you know that you can’t work. But talking about business is also forbidden, especially in the synagogue, as well as making any transactions. That is why the synagogue shop does not work on Saturday. So if you plan to buy something, schedule it on another day of the week.
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