We live in an age where something is always beeping on our bodies. A Temple Sinai service is a good time to take a rest from the always-on and always-available life. Please turn off cell phones during services or place them on vibrate to avoid creating a distraction. We’d like everyone to enjoy a meaningful and sacred Shabbat experience whether you are at the Synagogue or participating virtually!

On Zoom: To honor the spirit of Shabbat and maintain a sense of connection during our time together, we kindly ask everyone on Zoom to set up a Sacred Space, away from distractions treating the Zoom space with the same respect as an in-person gathering. Try to join us on time and if possible, keeping your camera on. If you need to step away temporarily please feel free to do so.

In Person: We kindly ask everyone attending services in-person to please refrain from using their cell phones during Shabbat services in order to help maintain the sanctity and focus of this special time.

 

Recommended Dress Code for Shabbat and Holiday Services

Dress for services at Temple Sinai is business casual or business attire. Men are required to wear a Kipot and Tallit, which are optional for women. However, everyone being called to the Torah for an Aliyah should wear a Talit and a headcovering.

Children and adults should please respect the sanctity of religious services by refraining from wearing inappropriate clothing such as shorts, jeans, sweatpants, or sports uniforms.

Shabbat and Jewish Holidays are Sacred Days

When do Shabbat and the Holidays Begin:
Shabbat begins 18 minutes before sunset on Friday and ends 25 minutes after sunset on Saturday night. Visit the calendar page to get candle lighting times.

How do we keep Shabbat and Yom Tov days sacred at Temple Sinai?

• No manner of work, including cooking, may take place at Temple Sinai, on its grounds or on its behalf anywhere, on these holy days, especially not for events that are not part of the direct Yom Tov or Shabbat celebration.
• No items, including food, may be bought on a Festival Yom Tov or Shabbat or brought into Temple Sinai. All items need to be brought in before candle-lighting.
• Please refrain from making phone calls, sending e-mails, mailing letters or flyers or doing any form of Temple Sinai business.
• Vendors and non-vital maintenance/repair workers may not be solicited or do work on these holy days (neither may our own members).
• Items, such as rummage or items for the office may not be left at the Temple on our sacred days.
• No event, meeting or activity may begin before one-half hour after the end of Shabbat or Yom Tov unless it is part of its celebration.

Need some guidance? Just ask Rabbi Reaboi, who is our friendly Jewish authority on these matters.

Concerning High Holiday Services

1. Be sure to bring your tickets to Services and show them at the door for security reasons.
2. The doors of the Sanctuary are kept closed at all times and the Ushers will direct you when you may enter. The Sanctuary doors remain closed…
   • When the Ark is open
   • When the congregation is standing
   • When the Torah is moving or read
   • During the Haftarah
   • During the Rabbi’s talk
   • During the Yizkor service
3. While waiting to enter the Sanctuary, please keep your voices to a whisper. The President’s Hallway (just past the coat room, down the steps, on the way to the Chapel) or outdoors is a good place to visit and let your children stretch.