Participation – We encourage you to participate. Many of the prayers are easy to learn or involve humming and such. Please join in.
Electronics —We don't use cameras on Shabbat in the synagogue nor cell phones nor any other kind of electronic device. So, please turn off or silence your phone when you come in.
Kippah and Tallit — Many participants cover their heads with a kippah as a traditional sign of respect and wrap ourselves in a tallit because the torah says to wear a garment with four fringed corners (women, once excluded, increasingly participate in this practice and are welcome to do so at Kolot).
Kids — Kids are welcome at our service but younger children are certainly welcome to take a break downstairs or outdoors. Sammy's friends will be asked to sit up front.
No applause — We don't applaud in synagogue as the Bar Mitzvah is not meant to be a show but rather a youth led learning experience. But to show your appreciation, feel free to say, "yasher koach or mazel tov" to the bar mitzvah and to wave your hands as you will see others do when you might feel like applauding.
Dress – This is Park Slope, Brooklyn, where hippies are not yet extinct. Dress is likely more casual than you may be used to in a synagogue. Suits and dresses are not required.
Electronics —We don't use cameras on Shabbat in the synagogue nor cell phones nor any other kind of electronic device. So, please turn off or silence your phone when you come in.
Kippah and Tallit — Many participants cover their heads with a kippah as a traditional sign of respect and wrap ourselves in a tallit because the torah says to wear a garment with four fringed corners (women, once excluded, increasingly participate in this practice and are welcome to do so at Kolot).
Kids — Kids are welcome at our service but younger children are certainly welcome to take a break downstairs or outdoors. Sammy's friends will be asked to sit up front.
No applause — We don't applaud in synagogue as the Bar Mitzvah is not meant to be a show but rather a youth led learning experience. But to show your appreciation, feel free to say, "yasher koach or mazel tov" to the bar mitzvah and to wave your hands as you will see others do when you might feel like applauding.
Dress – This is Park Slope, Brooklyn, where hippies are not yet extinct. Dress is likely more casual than you may be used to in a synagogue. Suits and dresses are not required.