Going to shul for the first time?
- Just come. You don’t need to be a member, know Hebrew, or know what to do — someone will help you find the page.
- Dress modestly. Men cover their heads (a kippah is usually by the door); women typically wear a skirt or dress below the knee, and in many synagogues cover their hair if married.
- On Shabbat, leave the phone at home or keep it out of sight and silent.
- In Orthodox synagogues men and women sit separately. That’s normal — ask where to sit.
- Stay for Kiddush after services. That’s where you’ll meet people.
Want to know what’s happening in the service? See our Daily Prayer guide →
Sources: Orthodox, Sephardic and Chabad synagogues from GoDaven.com (the minyan directory); Conservative synagogues from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism directory. Re-checked every month.