The mitzvah
The synagogue (shul) is where Jews pray together, read the Torah, and build community. Some prayers — Kaddish, Kedushah, the Torah reading — can only be said with a minyan of ten.
The sources
Words of holiness are said only with a minyan of ten.
The synagogue is called a “small sanctuary” — a little Temple in every community.
What you need
- A local shul — call or email ahead
- Modest clothes
- For men, a kippah (shuls usually have them at the door)
Step by step
- Find a shul near you: Orthodox, Chabad, Sephardi — most welcome newcomers. Call ahead and say it’s your first time.
- Shabbat morning is the easiest first visit. Arrive any time; services run about two to three hours.
- Dress modestly. Men cover their heads; married women often do too in Orthodox shuls.
- Turn your phone off — or leave it home on Shabbat.
- Ask someone near you for the page. People are happy to help.
- Stand when the ark is open and when others stand; don’t talk during the Torah reading.
- Stay for the Kiddush afterward. That’s where you meet people.
What to say
English first, then the words to say out loud — sounded out so anyone can say them.
This page contains Hebrew prayer text with the Divine Name. If you print it, please treat it respectfully and dispose of it appropriately (in genizah).
Questions people ask
Why do men and women sit separately?
Orthodox shuls have a divider (mechitzah) to keep prayer focused; this goes back to the Temple courtyards.
I can’t follow the Hebrew.
Use a siddur with English and read along. Many shuls announce page numbers.
Do I need to be religious?
No. Shuls are for every Jew.
Your family’s way
Services differ by community: Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Chassidic. Each has its own tunes and order — all welcome visitors.
The inner dimension
The Talmud teaches that wherever ten gather to pray, the Divine Presence is with them (Berachot 6a).
Visit a shul this Shabbat and stay for Kiddush.
These are general guidelines. Customs differ between communities, and for a personal question, ask a rabbi you trust.