On Coming into a Synagogue

On the Jewish Laws of head coverings:

Men: Nowhere in the Torah does the Law indicate that males must cover their heads.  Most likely, people living in the environs of such hot climes wore some kind of protection from the fierce heat of the sun.  Yet, a yarmulke or kippa is not indicated.  The word kippa simply mean ‘covering’.   Yarmulke, on the other hand, comes from an amalgamation of yareh Elokim, ‘fearing God’. 

One famed Talmudic rabbi, Nachman bar Yitzhak, would never venture forth without first covering his head out of “fear of the Lord.”  From that distant time it gradually evolved that wearing some kind of covering over one’s head showed appropriate reverence for God. 

Women: Unlike the custom with men, a woman covering her head has more ancient roots that began with married women wearing a covering over their hair to show both modesty and an identification that they were married (a ring was a later introduction).

How to enter the Synagogue:

When entering the doors of the shul, we are supposed to pause, gauge our new surroundings, and leave any baggage outside the doors.  One Hasidic Master said that when entering into a holy space, we should feel as if we area passing over a border into a new country.  That is why, perhaps, we are supposed to recite the Mah Tovu prayer to ourselves as we first come in.  The Mah Tovu was first uttered by an outsider names Balaam who was struck with the awesomeness of God.  In the same way, we imagine and galvanize ourselves to gaze at the face of the Almighty.

On choosing a seat:

It is a definite help to choose a place where you feel most comfortable.  Questions to be considered:  Can you see what you need to see?  Can you hear the Torah being read?  The prayer that are being recited?  Some like to be near the door, others proximate to the Bima.  Whatever the place might be, stay in the same general location whenever you return.  You may find that the space choose you.  Comfort and familiarity are important.

At the same time, it is good to be seated around people who are like-minded. There is nothing so distracting as sitting near talkers.  Find a place that feels and is right for you.

On putting on a Tallit (tallis):

A Hasidic Rebbe once said that the time a woodcutter spends sharpening his axe is as important as the time he spends cutting down the tree.

1. Make sure that the stings in the four corners (tzitzit) are intact).
2. Place the Tallit over the head and cover the face with the cloth.
3. Ask God to protect and envelope you with care.  “In Your light, may we see light,” is a traditional prayer.
4. Utter the berakha (blessing) in the prayer book, page 2.
5. Drape around shoulders.