Advice?

muffler dragon said:

Dear All:

I am entertaining the possibility of attending synagogue. I wanted to know if you would share the do's and don't's for me attending. Anything and everything is appreciated.

Should I find a synagogue near my home (High Point, NC), I intend on calling them to see if there is anything in particular I need to keep in mind (conduct, dress...).

Is it wise to mention that I am a believer in Yeshua? How can I present to them that I have no intention of ridicule, confrontation, and so on? I realize that even these questions are lending themselves to a bias. However, I find difficulty in relating to people who are Jewish in social means. The majority that I have met are very reserved. It almost feels as though they are waiting for me to judge them.

I am so naive in all this. I sincerely need your help.

There are no messianic congregations in my immediate area, but I am so eager to learn more of the faith of my L-rd.

Thanks,

Nathan

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How humble and wise of you to ask!! High marks!!

1) you need not mention Yeshua at all - in fact I strongly suggest that you don't volunteer that information. If asked a question to which the answer would naturally and logically include that you attend such and such a church and you are visiting because of your interest in Judaism - then by ALL means do so ***Don't mention Messianic Judaism*** many people will not have heard of it and the conversation would only get confused, or if they have, it is probably not favorably and such conversations could more wisely be saved for when you have a more mature relationship with some individual, later.

2) wear the same clothes you would normally wear to Church - modest, clean, neat and no T-shirts, shorts and work clothes and the like.

3) you should seek out where they have their kippahs, they have them there to loan visitors - please put one on - it is a matter of respect

4) do not wear the tallit/prayer shawl - that is for Jewish men who understand what it represents and know the proper etiquette for donning one.

5) do tell someone you are visiting and ask for assistance with the prayer book and service - you may or may not find someone to do this but asking helps. The service will largely be in Hebrew so just do what they do as far as standing and sitting and just otherwise listen and enjoy

6) ask (the greeter/shamas/usher) where to sit - some synagogues have assigned seating

I am sure others will also have suggestions

Actually you would be surprised to know that there are many gentiles who go along to synagogue weekly in almost every Shul and are made very welcome regardless of who they are and they dont have to submit information at all.

You will wanna wear a nice suit and if you dont already have one, get one of their loanable Kippahs. Youl get to know when to stand and sit and bend your knees during Davening etc, and I know youl have an awsome and blessed time, I still remember how spiritual it was for me the first time I attended Shul, second only to the first time I lit the Shabbat Candles

Shalom and G-d bless you!
~Hix~

Shalom Nathan,

Should I find a synagogue near my home (High Point, NC), I intend on calling them to see if there is anything in particular I need to keep in mind (conduct, dress...).

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Depends on what type of a synagogue you will be attending. Some of the more "uppity" (rich neighborhoods) synagogues have a higher standard of dress, but nothing is expected or required what so ever (within reason). Your average congregant (male) will probably be wearing dress slacks or khakis withe a polo shirt or dress shirt. There's no need to wear a suit, though in upper scale neighborhoods that might be the norm.

As far as kippah, etc...
Most will wear a kippah once they enter the doors, few go without one. Whether it is your custom/belief or not to actually wear one, I would reccomend you to wear one simply to blend in a bit better. Many synagogues will have a basket with kippot in them when you walk into the sanctuary, providing a kippah for those who don't own one themself. I would reccomend not wearing a tallit to the synagogue. It is highly offensive to a Jewish person to see non-Jews wearing Tallit.

Is it wise to mention that I am a believer in Yeshua?

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I would merely leave it at "I'm curious and would like to see the Jewish traditions in practice." Tossing around the name Yeshua will most likely get you branded as a "Jews for Jesus" and make them highly suspicious of you. You may or may not decide to mention that you are a curious christian, but to advertise the name of the messiah will make you seem as though you are there to 'evangelize'.

How can I present to them that I have no intention of ridicule, confrontation, and so on?

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Most synagogues are used to churches and other christians visiting throughout the year. I doubt you would be their first christian visitor that month. Many churches will have 'outings' to synagogues in order to see 'how jesus worshipped' or to see passover, etc. before their eyes.
Simply stating that you are here to observe will not cause any negative vibes. Just remember to keep it simple as though you are an observer.

I hope this helps.

Shalom,
yafet

Yes, Yamulke is Yiddish for the Hebrew word Kippah.

I have always seem visitors warmly welcomed at most shuls. The personality of a shul can vary so much. You may get approached by alot of people or may just recieve a casual greeting. It might be best to go to a smaller or moderate sized shul. I find Friday night services a bit more personable.

I doubt anyone will take issue with you being a Christian. I can only see a problem if one were going there to try and missionize. We have a number of Gentiles who attend services, classes, etc..

I hope you have a fufilling experience.

I would also agree with Yael concerning the Friday night services (erev shabbat). These typically are more community focused, while Saturday meetings are typically more study oriented. After you have acquainted yourself with the congregation and the Rabbi, you may end up deciding to attend some of the classes held on Saturday, etc... but to start off with, I would reccomend a Friday night service.

shalom,
yafet

With that being a large possibility, may I ask what would be the fruit for a person, such as myself, who does not speak nor understand Hebrew?

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I'm not so quick to say the service itself would be in hebrew, but many of the prayers and songs would be. Don't worry, usually there's a set of English transliterations below, or elsewhere on the page. As well, the Siddur (liturgy) is usually in English, with the prayers an songs in Hebrew.

-Yafet

you can also find many of the prayers and songs translated on the internet.

muffler dragon said:

Up above, Henny made the following statement:

5) do tell someone you are visiting and ask for assistance with the prayer book and service - you may or may not find someone to do this but asking helps. The service will largely be in Hebrew so just do what they do as far as standing and sitting and just otherwise listen and enjoy

With that being a large possibility, may I ask what would be the fruit for a person, such as myself, who does not speak nor understand Hebrew?

I would hate to leave the service thinking that I was just in a catholic service and simply following the other machines.

I mean no offense, please remember, I am a simple-minded person when it comes to this.

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I heard once a great Lubivtcher Rabbi say
It is a mitzvot (blessing) to pray in Hebrew
even if one does not understand Hebrew.

Go be blessed

Pastor George

simchat_torah said:

you can also find many of the prayers and songs translated on the internet.

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Also, if you have the means, you could always find out which Siddur(I'm talking publisher as I'm pretty sure they're all pretty similar ) they use and order a copy to study on your own.