Shabbat

Q. What do I wear?
A. Business dress is most appropriate. A small head covering called a yarmulke or kippah is required for men. They are available just outside the sanctuary. A tallis (prayer shawl) is traditionally worn by all Jewish men. They are encouraged for Jewish women as well. A tallis should only be worn by a Jewish individual.

Q. What is the timing of the services?

• Shabbat services begin Friday evening at 6:30 pm and last less than one hour.

• Saturday morning services begins at 9:30 am.
  This begins with Shacharit (blessings, communal song, and private prayer) at 9:30 am.
  Followed by the Torah reading service. You may read along in English & Hebrew in the red books, the Etz Hayim. If you are coming for a simcha (B’nai Mitzvah, baby naming, Aufruf, other celebration) the individual with whom you are coming to celebrate will participate in the Torah service which generally begins at about 9:45 am. If you arrive between 9:45 am or 10:00 am, you will be certain not to miss a b’nai mitzvah or baby naming.
  The Rabbi delivers the D'var Torah approximately 11:00 am.
  The service concludes with Musaf, one more chance for private prayer and communal song, ending by approximately noon.
  This is followed by Kiddush in the Kiddush Room

• Saturday afternoon. Varying times for Mincha and Ma’ariv. Please see our service schedule or calendar for special times.

Q. Where should I sit?
A. Guests may sit wherever they are most comfortable. There is no assigned seating. If you are coming for a simcha the family will typically sit in the front rows.

Q. If arriving late, are there times when a guest should not enter the sanctuary?
A. Do not move about the sanctuary when the congregation is standing or when the Rabbi is delivering the D'var Torah. Please stand in the back until an appropriate break. If you are uncertain, you may always ask one of the greeters. 

Q. May I bring young children into the sanctuary?
A. Yes. We are always happy to welcome children. Please leave “noisy” toys at home. Additionally, writing and coloring and using electronics is not permitted on Shabbat, so please leave coloring books, crayons, markers, electronics etc. at home. If your child gets restless, feel free to step outside the sanctuary with them.

Q. What items are religiously not permitted to be used in the building on Shabbat or Holidays?
A. Cameras, telephones, iPads, electronic games are not permitted to be used in the building. Please do NOT record or photograph anything while in the building on Shabbat or Holidays

Q. Are there times when a guest should not leave the service?
A. Please do not leave when the congregation is standing, when the Torah is being taken out or returned to the ark, when the rabbi is speaking, or when the specific ceremony during the service for which you have been invited is taking place.

Q. Will a guest who is not Jewish be expected to do anything other than sit?
A. Guests are expected to stand with the congregation, if they are able. It is optional for guests to read prayers aloud and sing with the congregation if this would not violate their own religious beliefs. Kneeling is not part of any Jewish service.

Q. Will contributions be collected at the service?
A. No.

Q. Is it okay to leave early?
A. Yes.

Q. Is there usually a reception after the service?
A. Yes. This is called a kiddush. Pastries, and sometimes light lunch foods may be served. It is okay to leave the kiddush at any time.

Q. Is there anything else of which I should be aware?
A. Please do not bring food into the synagogue. Because Shelter Rock Jewish Center adheres to the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut, no outside food or drink may be brought into any part of the synagogue facility.

Shabbat is a time to disconnect from the wider world and be present with those around us. You can help preserve this gentle calm by turning off any electronic devices you may have brought with you today. This includes cameras, video cameras, video game systems, pagers, or cell phones. If you must take or make a call, we ask that you step outside the synagogue building.

Adapted from "How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People’s Religious Ceremonies", edited by Arthur J. Magida.

Kiddush

Q: How do I sponsor a Kiddush?

A: Contact the office at 516-741-4305 x 10 to arrange a kiddush to honor a loved one, mark a yarzheit, or celebrate the community. 

Safety & Security

Please report any suspicious or threatening behavior to security personnel, staff, or greeters. If you see an active threat, call 911 imediately.

Wherever you are be aware of the nearest two exits.