Visit the Synagogue

For Visitors:

Synagogue of the Hills welcomes students and other visitors, and we invite you to participate with us in our religious services. Please email the synagogue at bhshul1@gmail.com if you are interested in visiting so we can best accommodate you or your group.

PRAYERBOOKS AND SERVICES

As Jews, we pray directly to G-d. The Rabbi, meaning “teacher,” or lay leader, leads the services, announces which prayers are being said, provides explanations, and tells the congregants which prayers should be said while standing. If the Rabbi is unavailable, a lay member of the congregation will lead the services. The prayer books are written in Hebrew and have English translations for each prayer. Some books also have transliteration, i.e., Hebrew written in Roman letters. Since Hebrew reads from right to left, the books will appear to open from the wrong direction, but the pages are numbered so you will be able to follow the services.

SHABBAT SERVICES:

The Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset each Friday and concludes at sunset each Saturday. At Synagogue of the Hills Sabbath services occur on Friday evening. Larger Synagogues may hold Saturday morning services. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the services, including the refreshments and/or meals following them.

Friday evening services begin at 7:30 PM, last 60 to 90 minutes, and are followed by an “Oneg Shabbat,” a reception starting with blessings over wine and bread, and continuing with refreshments. Please refer to the calendar for a schedule of our services.

CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES:

When attending services, please dress modestly (e.g., no mini skirts, short shorts, or sleeve-less blouses or shirts). Boys and men are asked to cover their heads as a sign of respect in the Sanctuary by wearing kippot available in the foyer (also known as yarmulkes or skullcaps). Women may also wish to cover their heads, but it is not required. You’ll notice that Jewish men and some women wear a tallit (prayer shawl) during services where the Torah is being read, but since that serves a religious purpose, non-Jews do not do so.

Observant Jews do not work, conduct business or create anything during the Sabbath, observing it as a complete day of rest. Therefore, while in the temple on the Sabbath, please do not write or take notes, use cell phones or other electronic devices, use a camera or take pictures or smoke.