Visiting a Synagogue for the First Time

[@paloma993]

Thanks for this helpful video. I learned a lot!

[@pointlesspencil917]

Nice tour of your shul! I love these types of “hands on” videos :)

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Thanks! We'll keep making more :)

[@rebeccahernandez4372]

Thanks for this great video and all you shared!

[@bobby8827]

Thanks for the enlightening video. God bless.

[@nataliejo336]

Thank you for sharing

[@KatieInTheLight]

I have to visit a place that isn't the same as my own religion for a class I'm in and I'm very excited to experience this. Thank you so much!

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Glad it helped!

[@dogedoge3531]

Thank for helping me understand what a Synagogue is!

[@azinderavi290]

I can’t wait to attend my first experience .. Ithank you for this video 💙

[@JewishKeto]

Absolutely great beginners guide, I’ve been a Jew many years but my family is not and showed them this.

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

So glad we could help!

[@victoriageuder8216]

Thank you!

[@EternaResplandiente]

Beautiful ❤️ i absolutely love Judaism and im interested in knowing more. I think the architecture if synagogues is really classy and authentic and it gives me a good feeling to see ✡️🕍 Sending love 💕

[@miriamgonzalezsiegel6478]

I am Jewish and I am always in awe of the beauty

[@joellynLeib]

Very nice explanation of going to a Jewish service. Thank you!

[@penelopejoann]

Thank you! It’s intimidating to not know any customs or rituals going into a spiritual space of worship. Everyone has to start somewhere 😊

[@paigiefitz7967]

Hi! Love the Video! Is there a cultural or significant reason for different synagogues to have opposing traditions in relation to who is allowed to wear a kippa while in the chapel? If so, what led to these opposing viewpoints and traditions? Thank you!

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

The tradition is based on respect for God and being in a holy space, and while there is mostly consistency among different synagogues within a movement (reform, conservative, etc), the decision of requiring them belongs to each individual synagogue and is based on their ideology.

[@Anne-oo1py]

Hello, Happy New Year and Shabbat Shalom, Is it ok if I share this KZbin video in my social media Facebook account?

[@tudormiller8898]

I want to convert from Christianity to Judaism, so this video is really informative and interesting. I'll know exactly what I should expect during my first shul service. Watching from London. ✡️🕎🇬🇧

[@dogO23765]

Good luck it's not a easy task

[@saracampagnoli7644]

same!

[@beefjuicer4808]

Lol total nonsense. What an embarrassment you are

[@michaelataceri4538]

@@davidschalit907 Hi David, Thank you for your feedback. For sake of reconciling our differences, and analyzing the topic of "Comparing The Degrees of Divisions within Judaism and within Christianity" from your point of view, I'm willing to agree with your statement: "Not nearly as divided as Christianity." All the best, Michael

[@ocamoriechan]

Hi, I wish you luck, don't give up, I was able to convert to Judaism. (Reform)

[@Govinda462]

Friendly greetings from India

[@elisabethcruzboer410]

interesting for me, because I want to convert from Christianity to Judaism. I'm from Spain and here to reach some communities, non Jewish ones have some problems, because of the increase of antisemitism in Europe and Muslim radical extremism increasing too. And u fortunately, here some congregations are in hidden places as flats, with rudimentaries supplies which is a little bit strange and sometime stunning because everyone must have the right to live his religion freely, and with the right to go to a church ,a sinagogue or a mosquée but why Jewish had to be forced to hide their sinagogue and their faith . Here there is ONLY one sinagogue the Ortodox one, Conservative and Reformist in flats... So so sad for this.. Because I always will stand with ISRAËL. AM ISRAËL CHAI! In Judaism there are beautiful things, you can't find in others religions. Incredibible and indestructible faith even what will happened, peaceful, carrying really for the COmmunity. And such amazing things as ,always remembrance of the historics facts happened from the beginning and which are reflected in all the Jewish Festivals during the year. And for me, the amazing day of YOM KIPPUR, in which everyone is required personally for Redemption from him to G-d asking for Mercy for his bad behaviours during the year. For me it's very important, because in Christianity for this you have to do in front of another human being, in this case a priest, who is " the G-d's Minister on earth" thing I refuse absolutely, because he is another human being, as sinner as I do, so I haven't nothing to say to him, but directly to G-d who is the only one to absolve me..And lot of things I can't explain right now, to be so long to explain. Shalom aleijem to everyone. Thank you to share with us. I'm subscribed.

[@esthers333]

Thank you

[@bobby8827]

What is the said when greeting others at a synagogue? Thanks

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

If it's Shabbat (the Sabbath), people say "Shabbat shalom" ("peaceful Sabbath"). For most other holidays, you can use "chag sameach" ("happy holiday").

[@suilao9468]

Are all synagogues face jerusalem? Also, In what direction in Jerusalem people face to? Wailing wall? Or the rock under Dome of the rock?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Yes, it's the general practice that Jewish people pray facing Jerusalem, the site of the Holy Temple, which for the Western world in general is East. That's why so many synagogues are built so that the congregation in the sanctuary or chapel faces East.

[@wyntresorrow403]

Omg! I have a synagogue called ohev sholom here in Harrisburg. Not gonna lie, I'm a little scared to go as this will be my first time going since I got back into Judaism. ( I stopped going when my daughter passed, and I forgot everything. I think.)Also with the pandemic, they are not open yet.

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Have you been able to talk with someone from the synagogue to get reconnected? Hopefully there's nothing to be scared of! :)

[@wyntresorrow403]

@@PJLibraryOfficial I have. The rabbi is extremely nice. Your right. Nothing to be worried about. It was like I ne er left. Best choice I made was returning. Shalom and thank you

[@matthewfeldner7987]

Thanks for this great video! Are there any significance to the bells on the crowns that cover the rods of the Torah?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

The basic idea is "hidur mitzvah" which means "beautifying the commandment." In Judaism we strive to elevate traditions, even in physical ways like this in some cases.

[@alteregw6166]

A good introduction and indeed very clearly explained, thank you. Is the incense used during the religious services?

[@davidschalit907]

No incense.

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

No incense during services, but actually the Havdalah ritual (at the end of the Sabbath) does involve sweet-smelling spices.

[@darkprince56]

Do all Jews need to know/learn Hebrew since that is the liturgical language of the faith?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

It's not required, but certainly helpful for learning prayers and blessings. Most synagogues offer translations and other accessible text in the spoken language of the community (like English in the U.S.).

[@darkprince56]

PJ Library ohhh thank you so much for replying!

[@robkunkel8833]

✡️ In the stain glass photo of the Star of David for this video there is a small Hebrew letter. I assume it is He or Chet. It looks like a ⛩️, which I’m told is a Japanese Shinto and it has been a peaceful sign for me all my life. It is called a torii. An interesting coincidence because the word Torah is close to it. I am sure it has no correlation but interesting. Thanks for the tour. I do tours in the Virgin Islands St. Thomas “Sandfloor Synagogue.”

[@Starrielle]

Hi! I’m about to go to a Friday night service. This will be my first time going to a synagogue. I was wondering if I have to worry about covering my head at all?

[@isihosena635]

You have probably figured it out by now, but for anybody reading this comment and wondering about the same thing: all men have to cover their head in Shul / Synagogue (using either a kippa or just a nice hat or cap you already have), for women it is not obligatory. Ususally orthodox women cover their hair only once they are married using either a tichel (like a headscarf) or a sheitel (wig), while some liberal women wear a kippa in Shul or also in their everyday lives.

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Hope you enjoyed your first visit last year. One additional thought, which you may have noticed - it also depends on the practice of the synagogue. In many cases, reform synagogues do not require head coverings, while conservative and orthodox do.

[@angelathompson4298]

My son and I are going to the Manchester Jewish Museum next week. What should we expect?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Sorry we missed your message, but hope it was informative and interesting!

[@elisabethcruzboer410]

Hi, is it a Conservative Synagogue or Reformist one?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

This happens to be a conservative synagogue.

[@brianhester1996]

As a non-Jew, I have been thinking about visiting your Synagogue (I live in Portland also). Would it be appropriate for me to wear a kippah? During the service, when the Torah is brought out, is there a gesture of respect given at that time?

[@davidschalit907]

You stand up when it's brought out.

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Yes, it's appropriate and welcome for non-Jews to wear kippot (plural) too. As another commenter answered, you can follow the congregation and rise when everyone else rises. Thank you for asking!

[@paulinetaylor2810]

I heard like a jewish life can be expensive and you need to put money into a synagogue like for building fund etc just the way catholic church does how much?

[@paulinetaylor2810]

what if you have a disability or even a minor disability and do not have the money and canot afford alot and work of your allowance how do you work it? the whole allowance or just as much as you can?

[@isihosena635]

It's true that you need to buy some ritual items, which can get costly. But it doesn't have to. There is also more affordable Judaica and some things you can just substitute with items you already have at home until you are able to or want to buy designated Judaica (candlesticks for example, or Kiddush cups - you can use normal candlesticks and any cup, but if you want to keep kosher you should consult with your Rabbi on kashering your kitchen and advice on keeping kosher in general). Just get creative. Remember, many Jews don't have a lot of money and still make it work, so you can too. I have never heard of Synagogues / authorities demanding money to build something, usually that would be done with voluntary donations. Nobody will exclude you if you can't give them money and if they do, maybe it would be a good idea to find a different community. Don't stress too much and remember, you can always come to your Rabbi for advice. They want to help you on your journey and support you leading a life following the Torah. All the best to you!

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

@@paulinetaylor2810 No one should be kept from membership if they can't afford it. However, just like with churches, there are expenses for paying staff and maintaining the building. Many synagogues work on a membership model where you either pay what you can or pay on a tiered basis.

[@telsataylor2032]

@@PJLibraryOfficial I get what you mean.

[@twinky6012]

You can choose to pay membership dues. You also need to tithe but you can decide what charities or causes to donate to.

[@bobby8827]

What is the said when greeting others at a synagogue?

[@hannahsilberman]

Hi there! If you want to say hello/goodbye you can say "shalom" pronounced= sha-lome

[@Hugs_Pugs_Kisses]

Typically how long are Shabbat services? Not high holiday services.

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

It depends on the synagogue, but typically Friday night services are about an hour, and Saturday morning services can range from 2-3 hours.

[@SridharIriventi]

can we take pictures?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Thanks for your question! That depends on the synagogue and when you visit (conservative and orthodox synagogues don't allow photos on most holidays). Always a good idea to ask first.

[@pheenobarbidoll2016]

What exactly is the point of wearing the cap? I keep hearing respect but what's disrespectful about the top of the head? It seems as arbitrary as saying you should cover your left ear before going in, or you cover your pinky finger. What about the top of the head is a problem?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Head coverings and other articles of clothing are a part of many religions. It's not a Biblical commandment, but more of a tradition that has persisted. This article provides some helpful information about the origins: www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/covering-of-the-head

[@pheenobarbidoll2016]

@@PJLibraryOfficial That doesn't explain my question though. Why the head? Specifically, as opposed to any other random body part? Why not " cover your left wrist to express mourning/modesty/respect/etc". What exactly is it about the *head*? It's the head in many religions but no one so far can say why. Why, for instance, isn't it " thou shall cover thine right nostril"? What's the head supposed to represent for it to be picked?

[@katherimepuccetti9721]

May I attend a service without an invitation?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

In most synagogues, yes, services are open to the public.

[@putzgadol]

Why don't they make left handed yadayim ?

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Excellent question, and one that has probably been asked before. It's likely simply because we live in a right-hand dominated world.

[@breadchaser3151]

Looks like reform syneguge

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

This one happens to be conservative, but there are often overlapping features.

[@janetstanley3351]

thank you, i think the jewishway of life is a little more family oriented as Catholic's are.I am sorry christians are not into doing that. I pray God interveines on behalf of Israel, I am praying so.

[@MikeBenko]

Atheist raised Catholic here, I wonder how much overlap is there between how the rites of the two religions developed over the centuries. There's a lot of things such as cantors, layouts, the bringing out of scripture for reading, sitting and standing etc.

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Excellent point - rituals and traditions often have parallels across religions.

[@patrickphilip777]

God bless the jews!

[@Elior1030]

Is that a Reformist or conservative synagogue? Shalom

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

This is a conservative synagogue.

[@Derek032789]

Very informative and this guy is HOT!

[@esthers333]

Is this conservative Judaism where to start please? I don't know

[@PJLibraryOfficial]

Yes, this particular synagogue is affiliated with the conservative movement. If you're looking specifically for a conservative synagogue, you can find more info at uscj.org, but the other major movements (Reform, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Humanistic, and Renewal) also have websites where you can learn more.

[@esthers333]

@@PJLibraryOfficial thank you great info I will check it out Shalom