How Do You Be Respectful When Visiting A Jewish Synagogue?
If you’ve never been to a synagogue, you might not know how to behave respectfully while in a Jewish house of worship. But the etiquette in a Jewish synagogue isn’t all that different from most churches’ codes of conduct. Follow these simple rules and you’ll be a real mensch. Wear a yarmulke on your head if you are a man. This includes young boys. A yarmulke is a small, circular cap worn at the crown of the head. You’ll find these at the entrances of the sanctuary. Women only need to wear hats or head coverings if they are called upon to open the Ark holding the Torah. Stand whenever the congregation is asked to stand. The rabbi lets you know, in English, whenever it’s time to rise and be seated. Stay in the sanctuary whenever the Ark, a cabinet-like structure holding the Torah, has been opened. The Ark is almost always on the stage or “bima” of the synagogue. You can leave to use the restroom or for any other reason as soon as the Ark is closed and the rabbi says it is OK to sit down.
