Shabbat Services - Frequently Asked Questions

What does Shabbat observance at Beth Shalom look like?
Beth Shalom members are extremely diverse in their own Shabbat observances and practices. When we’re together as a community, we share certain norms of Shabbat practice, following halakhah (Jewish law).  To help create that Shabbat environment, we ask that all members and visitors refrain from writing and the use of electronic devices (except for accessibility aids). Please note that this includes cell phone use during services, lunch and any other programs that happen on Shabbat.  

What should I wear?
We are not the most formal of communities, but we do try to dress a little bit nicer than usual on Shabbat.  Somewhere in the realm of business casual is great.  Please wear a kippah (or another head covering) as a sign of respect (mandatory for men, highly encouraged for women). Kippot are available in the lobby.  We also encourage Jewish participants to wear a tallit (prayer shawl), also available in the lobby.  Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or other scented products; some of our members have sensitivities to these.  

What should I bring?
You don’t need to bring anything with you! You are certainly welcome to bring a tallit (prayer shawl), kippah/headcovering, or your own siddur (prayerbook), but we have all of those available for you to borrow as well.  Please do not bring peanuts into our building, as we strive to be a peanut-free facility. We also ask that you not bring weapons of any kind (including small blades like pocket knives, box cutters, etc.) into Beth Shalom at any time.

What accessibility resources does Beth Shalom have? Find out here. 

What can my kid do during services?
We love for children to join us for services in the sanctuary, and we also offer Shabbat babysitting (during the academic year), as well as services and programs geared towards children and families. 

I’m not Jewish.  Can I attend?
Yes; we’d love for you to join us! You’re certainly welcome to come pray, learn, and eat with us.  You may be offered an honor (such as being called to the Torah for an aliyah), that we’d ask you to decline-- we reserve those roles for people who are Jewish (as defined by the standards of Conservative Judaism).