In some synagogues, women may wear hats or a lace head covering. Just as men and women may be asked to remove their hats in the church, or remove their shoes before entering a mosque, wearing a head covering is a non-denominational act of showing respect. Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identification like the tallit, but is rather an act of respect to God and the sacredness of the worship space. Kippah, or yarmulke: A kippah (KEEP-ah) or head covering (called a yarmulke in Yiddish), is traditionally worn by males during the service and also by women in more liberal synagogues. Although an usher may offer you a tallit at the door, you may decline it if you are not Jewish or are simply uncomfortable wearing such a garment.Ĥ. Because the braided fringes at the four corners of the tallit remind its wearer to observe the commandments of Judaism, wearing a tallit is reserved for Jews. Prayer shawl: The tallit (tall-EET or TALL-is), or prayer shawl, is traditionally worn by Jewish males and, in liberal congregations, by Jewish women as well. Family and invited guests try to arrive at the beginning, even though the bar/bat mitzvah activities occur somewhat later in the service however, both guests and regular congregants often arrive late, well after services have begun.ģ. Arrival time: The time listed on the bar/bat mitzvah invitation is usually the official starting time for the weekly Shabbat, or Sabbath, service. In more traditional communities, clothing tends to be dressier women wear hats and are discouraged from wearing pants.Ģ. Dress: Guests at a bar/bat mitzvah celebration generally wear dressy clothes - for men, either a suit or slacks, tie, and jacket, and for women, a dress or formal pantsuit. General Expectations for Synagogue Behaviorġ. It is also increasingly common for families to host private bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies that take place outside synagogue. In addition, while the majority of bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies take place during Shabbat morning services and at synagogue, as described below, some are on Friday night or Saturday afternoon. To learn more about the particular synagogue you will attend, you may want to consult its website or ask the bar/bat mitzvah host. Keep in mind that services (and service lengths) vary widely from congregation to congregation, depending on a synagogue’s denomination (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform etc.), its leadership and its unique customs or traditions. While this article focuses on what to wear and do - and some of the rituals you will see - we recommend you also consult our Guided Tour of the Synagogue and Highlights of Shabbat Morning Worship. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will ensure that your experience is a comfortable and positive one. My Jewish Learning is a not-for-profit and relies on your help DonateĬongratulations! You have been invited to the bar or bat mitzvah of a friend or family member.

Bar mitzvah music