Show Up For Shabbat

 

By now we have all discussed the tragedy that took place in the Tree of Life synagogue. There’s a great deal to be said for synagogue security going forward, for conversations about anti-Semitism, online extremism and more. But those conversations are more in-depth and can happen another time.

I wanted to alert Ricochet members to a cool initiative the AJC is implementing for this coming Shabbat (Saturday). It’s simply called #ShowUpForShabbat, and they’re trying to fill the seats at synagogues across the country in solidarity with the American Jewish community.

I wanted to write a primer for anyone interested in going, but who might not have a Jewish background.

First: there are three denominations within American Judaism, broadly speaking:

  • Reform
  • Conservative (which is the denomination the Tree of Life was; it’s separate from politically conservative)
  • Orthodox

The kind of experience you have will depend on the kind of synagogue you attend. If you have no experience with Judaism prior to this Saturday, a Reform congregation will probably be the most comfortable experience, given how much of the service is done in English. Reform Judaism is basically a branch of the Democratic party politically, and there may be conversations about how the President needs to take responsibility, etc etc, so caveat emptor.

Conservative Judaism is basically a middle ground between Reform and Orthodox. How the service is conducted depends on the kind of congregation it is; some are quite traditional and feel Orthodox in every way except that men and women sit together (which they do not in Orthodox synagogues), and some are basically Reform. Politics rarely crops up over the course of the service.

Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional version, and most of the service will be conducted in Hebrew. There are a few “flavors” of Orthodox in America; from haredi (which is how you probably picture Orthodox Jews, with black hats and side curls), to Modern Orthodox (how our household generally affiliates). If you’re interested in a real cultural experience, this is where you’d get it. These synagogues are pretty tight-knit, and there is security usually present (long before this week), and so, you may get a question before you enter the building.

To blend in better at an Orthodox service, men should wear a yarmeluke (most Reform and Conservative synagogues have them before you enter the sanctuary) and a suit. Women should only wear a skirt or a dress that comes to the knee or below, and cover shoulders, and if you’re married, a nice hat is traditional (though not required).

Because the service is in Hebrew, if you want to follow along with what is happening, keep an eye out for a transliterated prayer book (siddur). Some synagogues have a few copies, while others do not. If you don’t want to risk being lost, you can pick one up on Amazon and either keep it or donate to the synagogue (leave it on the shelves when you’re done).

Orthodox Jews, and often conservative ones as well, don’t spend money or use technology on Shabbat. Before you enter, silence your cell phone and ignore it during the service, and don’t expect a collection plate.

We have a lot of Jewish members here at Ricochet; if you are planning to go to a service comment with which city you live in and maybe one of us can set you up with a synagogue buddy if you’re apprehensive about going alone.

Published in Religion & Philosophy
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There are 6 comments.

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  1. Jan Bear Inactive
    Jan Bear
    @JanBear

    Just curious. There are no synagogues in my town. But are non-Jews welcome?

    • #1
  2. James Gawron Inactive
    James Gawron
    @JamesGawron

    Jan Bear (View Comment):

    Just curious. There are no synagogues in my town. But are non-Jews welcome?

    Jan,

    Always. Last night we held an interfaith meeting at our synagogue. We had speakers from the Episcopal Church from the Roman Catholic Church and another Protestant denomination. The mayor and most of the town council were in attendance too. Ours is a Modern (perhaps very modern) Orthodox congregation. The standard prayer book has the English translation alongside the Hebrew on facing pages. There is a page counter at the front to give you the page number that we are on and the Rabbi stops frequently in the Service to give an explanation, especially when we are reading from the Torah. One thing that is different about an Orthodox service is that it is longer. On Shabbos we stick to the old form very closely so it takes us from 9:00 am to about 12:00 pm to get through it. After is the Kiddish (buffet lunch) which you are also very welcome to attend.

    Please feel free to come. You will be most welcome.

    Regards,

    Jim

    • #2
  3. Mikescapes Inactive
    Mikescapes
    @Mikescapes

    Bethany is very accurate in her distinctions between the different denominations of Judiasm. Murdered or wounded Jews should be of great concern to all of us. I’m not saying Jews, and non-Jews, shouldn’t go to a synogogue. But my bet is that all attendees, at any branch, will be lumped in with the Reform Congregations that hold Trump accountable.

    The Democrats and the Media will happily spin it as proof that Trump is seen by all of American Jewry as an anti-semite, who stirs up violence on the right against all Americans who disagree with his policies. 

    The sad thing is that too many may believe these insane allegations. If they already do, maybe it doesn’t matter. Politically speaking, it diffuses the real argument that mob violence generates from the left, and that mail bombs and Pittsburg are isolated, individual acts by lunatics, not conservatives.

    Well, go anyway. The Left will do or say anything, however illogical, to win the election. The one bright spot in all of this is the Rabbi of The Tree of Life, contrary to his congregants, said Trump is not culpable and is welcome in Pittsburg. I wonder how long this guy will be in charge.

    • #3
  4. Gary Robbins Member
    Gary Robbins
    @GaryRobbins

    I called a local friend and asked if I could go to services with her this weekend.  I also emailed my Jewish friends and let them know of my care for them.

    • #4
  5. Bethany Mandel Coolidge
    Bethany Mandel
    @bethanymandel

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    I called a local friend and asked if I could go to services with her this weekend. I also emailed my Jewish friends and let them know of my care for them.

    That’s so nice!! I’d love for you to write about your experience.

    • #5
  6. Gary Robbins Member
    Gary Robbins
    @GaryRobbins

    Bethany Mandel (View Comment):

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    I called a local friend and asked if I could go to services with her this weekend. I also emailed my Jewish friends and let them know of my care for them.

    That’s so nice!! I’d love for you to write about your experience.

    This Saturday at 10:00 a.m.  My minister is also coming and speaking to our Jewish brothers and sisters.  We are all children of Abraham, and we all worship the same God.  I plan on writing on the experience.  

    • #6
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