What typically happens during a service at your synagogue? Is there usually a homily/sermon type talk?
I am really interested in maybe attending a synagogue to perhaps learn something about Judaism. But I am a Catholic, so would it offend anyone to show up to a synagogue and just listen and observe?
Thank you, Frau Hunter. I did not know it was Shavuot right now.
There are prayers, usually in Hebrew but a Reform synagogue may have more English.
It depends. I visited a synagogue many years ago because I was interested in Judaism, but when I came back the next week, the synagogue leader told me that he'd bent the rules for me the last week and that normally only Jews could attend (I'm not Jewish). I don't know if this is a normal occurrence, though.
answer: most of our Jewish friends are celebrating a holy day right now (I believe). I have starred this for them to catch tomorrow. I have been told, though, that some temples are open to guests. Call any local temples and ask if any upcoming holy days or such are open to guests. I have found most of the Jews here to be very open to questions and encouraging of non-Jews learning about them and their religion.
even though I'm Muslim i know about Judaism through my visits to synagogues,modern synagogues in turkey and Iran however have a service much like Christians.i don't know about the rest of the world but Jewish synagogues are open to everybody in Pakistan,turkey and Iran.the reason revisited the synagogues was because i was fascinated by the numerous similarities between Judaism and Islam.its truly remarkable!
Most synagogues are open to guests- however, in some places they are very strict about guests due to security concerns. (In Turkey, visitors have to let them know well in advance and get cleared by security- after car bombs, knife attacks and grenade attacks in synagogues they are very careful.) So, phone whichever synagogue you want to visit and talk to them first so as to avoid disappointment.
As to sermons etc- this will vary greatly by which synagogue you go to. In many Orthodox synagogues sermons are not given- rather showroom (religious lessons) are held after wards- with men and women learning separately. These sessions, depending on community- can be in Hebrew, Yiddish, English or any other local language. (most will use Hebrew text and explain in English or whatever the local language is).
Conservative/Reform are more like the services you are used to- with formal sermon. (they will also be much easier for you to understand and participate in a they mix Hebrew and the local language- Orthodox pray only in Hebrew.)
One notable exception to the standard Orthodox shills are those of Chabad/Lubavitch. Their focus is on educating the uneducated (primarily aimed at Jews, but they are likely to allow non-Jews there as well). So, if there is a Chabad/Lubavitch community near you- contact them- they will give you an Orthodox Jewish experience, and if they have a large number of non-observant people in their community (not unusual for them), they will give instructions and explanations during the service.
Personally, I belong to a community where I am a rarity since I don't speak Yiddish. A non-Jew in our community would be very out of place- no one gives explanations- sermons are only given on major festivals (or if the Rabbi has a burning issue he has to get off his chest) and learning sessions are studying Talmud/Gemorrah and get very technical and unenlightening except to those who understand the Talmud methodology. would we chase a non-Jew away? Nope- but considering the pace we pray at, the Hebrew prayers and the assumption of a base level of knowledge in the learning sessions, a non-Jew would be very lost and would have a lousy experience. So- thinking on my own community- is why I recommend the above- contact the synagogue you want to visit- they may even provide somebody to assist you during the service (something I have done for newcomers to our shul before- helping them get up to speed so they do not feel left out).
edit: Shavuot finished on Tuesday at sunset. No holiday at the moment
It's normally good form to ring in advance and ask if it's OK to visit. Perhaps it might be a good idea to try and arrange a visit and talk to someone outside the times of normal Services before attending a Service.
Don't worry about the Catholic bit my Mum was an Irish Catholic and Dad was Jewish but you will find the Services less by Rote than a traditional Roman Catholic Service.
If you attend a Service it is correct procedure to cover your head, this may depend on the Congregation you attend IE Conservative, Reform, Liberal or Orthodox. Also in some Congregations women sit separately than men, Reform Services women sit with men.
Can I ask you to do one thing, enjoy yourself on your visit, even if you don't choose to convert use the visit as a way of understanding some of what Judaism is and that some of our practices have real world explanations and are not just religious foibles IE Kosher Food. We are a lot more pragmatic and logical than many think, we just have an image problem with some people.
There are some really good web sites explaining Judaism also this might help you.
During a typical service there are prayers and singing pretty much (I'm guessing) like at a Catholic Mass. The Torah is read, and then a sermon is usually given. It would not offend **anyone** if you went. However I recommend going to a Reform or Conservative synagogue since an Orthodox service will be largely in Hebrew. Just dress modestly (for any of them), stand when others stand and sit when they sit. We'd love to have you at our synagogue!
From my experience, no one would know whether you're Jewish or not! We have many converts in our congregation, most of them being former Catholics. In fact, one of my best friends studied Judaism in the convent as a nun. She became so enamored of it, that she called a rabbi and asked how to convert. She just completed her adult Bat Mitzvah last month.
The High Holy Days are in the fall. Seating during the High Holy Days comes at a premium because many Jews attend a synagogue only at this time of the year. We are under a very high threat alert at that time, so many shills require tickets together with photo I.D.
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Jews: Questions about synagogue?
