What to Expect

Since every Synagogue has its own customs, you might like to know what to expect when you visit T&V.

Membership

We are a traditional, conservative, egalitarian and inclusive community, and welcome the full participation of all our members and guests.

Participation
Members participate in our Services with aliyot (honors), and special readings to observe a yahrzeit (anniversary of the death of a loved one), or for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries or conversions. If you wish to accept an honor for a special occasion, please contact the Ritual Committee sps3@columbia.edu or the Rabbi rabbi@tandv.org or Cantor icantor@tandv.org n advance.

We believe that active member participation in our services increases the richness and depth of our worship, and are proud that so many of our congregants read Torah, chant Haftarah give Divrei Torah (commentary), and lead services.

If you have read Torah or chanted Haftarah before and wish to do it again, please inform the Ritual Committee. You may request a particular Parashah or Haftarah, but you should give adequate advance notice.

To continuously add to our level of participation and the depth of our lay leadership, we offer classes in Haftarah and Torah chanting, and in the daily and Shabbat services

Decorum during Services
Since the Sabbath is a day of repose and contemplation, sanctified by God and set apart from the rest of the week, we observe certain restrictions. We ask you to refrain from smoking, writing, conducting business, taking photographs, handling money and using cell phones or other electronic equipment.

When entering the sanctuary, we ask that you wait in the back before taking your seat during the following portions of the Shabbat service: silent Amidah, Kedushah, Mourner’s Kaddish, when the Ark is open, Torah readings, Haftarah readings, the rabbi’s sermon, and special cantorial presentations. There is an usher at the door, one of our members, who can help you if you have any questions.

Attire
Men are asked to cover their heads everywhere in the building as a sign of reverence towards God. Women are encouraged to do the same. Kippot (skullcaps) and other head coverings for women are available in the main lobby and outside the Flax Chapel.

Jewish men and women are encouraged to wear a tallit (prayer shawl) in the sanctuary during Shabbat and morning weekday services. Any Torah reader or Shaliach Tzibur (prayer leader) must wear a tallit. You can find tallitot in the back of the sanctuary or in the Flax Chapel. Men and women are encouraged to don tefillin for weekday morning services.

We ask all members and guests to wear appropriate attire for Shabbat and holiday services. Women should wear tops with sleeves, and that do not expose the midriff; trousers or modest length skirts/dresses and necklines for women. Men are encouraged to wear long pants.

Kiddush
All are invited to Kiddush (collation), following Shabbat morning services each week and on many Festivals. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and revisit with friends. Members frequently sponsor the Kiddush as a way to celebrate a special occasion with the community. If you are interested in celebrating in this way, please call 212-677-8090, ext. 48 or send an e-mail to: simchacatering@aol.com.