Etiquette
Article
When visiting a synagogue other than your own, it is best to follow the practices of that place. What follows is a list of etiquette in many, but not all, synagogues.
- Turn off pagers and cellphones in the synagogue.
- Most synagogues do not allow photography on Shabbat.
- Do not smoke in the synagogue.
- In most synagogues, it is customary for all men, Jewish and non-Jewish, to wear kippot. In some synagogues, married women cover their hair. Only Jews (in some synagogues men, in some synagogues men and women) wear tallitot.
- Conversation should be kept to a minimum in the sanctuary.
- If the service is largely in Hebrew and you are not familiar with Hebrew, ask a congregant sitting near you to help you and point out where you are. In general, it is advisable to stand when people stand and sit when they sit.
It is often difficult to know what to buy a bar or bat mitzvah, although a present is usually accepted. Possibilities include a Jewish book, a Jewish ritual object (the synagogue often gives the child a kiddush cup), jewelry, a pen knife, a donation to a worthy cause in honor of the occasion. Consultation with the parents is often a good idea. Some guests prefer not to give a Jewish item if they believe that this is really not something the child will use.
