When should we arrive and depart for the service?

Morning services begin at 9 am on Saturday and Eva’s portion will begin around 10:15. You are welcome to arrive for Eva’s portion. The service will conclude at approximately 12:15 and be followed immediately by a luncheon.

What should I wear?

We recommend cocktail attire for both days. People are encouraged to cover their heads during the Shabbat morning service. Several options are common, including yarmulkes, headbands, and doilys. Special yarmulkes and headbands will be available, if you are comfortable wearing one.

Will we throw candy?

Yes! Soft candies will be distributed during the service. The Rabbi will signal when they are to be thrown. Please no BYOC (bring your own candy). Candies are specially selected to minimize harm upon contact. 🙂

Do children attend the Temple service?

Absolutely! It is a long time to sit still, however. There is a reading nook in the corner of the sanctuary and children (and parents) are welcome to step out to the hall to stretch their legs if needed.

How will Eva’s bat mitzvah be observed?

Eva will lead portions of the prayers and Torah service for the community, from the stage (“bimah”) at the front of the congregation. This will include chanting a passage from the Torah (bible) with specific tempos and intonations.

Can I eat the candies?

Yes! Once the sweet projectiles are tossed, children are welcome to rush the bimah to collect them. (Parents and guardians may impose taxes.) The wrappers are noisy, but some of us like to eat them discreetly!

May I use a phone or take pictures?

Phones and other electronics are not used at the Temple on Saturday. You are welcome to snap photos on Sunday – we will also have a professional photographer and a photo booth with props on site!

Where should I park for the service & party?

If Temple Israel’s parking lot reaches capacity, you can park on side streets. Approaching from Pond St, look for space along Woodland St or Goodrich Pl. Approaching from Main, park along Bradford, Alden or Dunbar.

See map below for a bird’s eye view of those options.

This is my first time at a Temple Israel service. What can I expect?

The Shabbat (sabbath) morning service starts with nine, with psalms and morning prayers. The Torah (bible) service typically starts around 10, when readers and honorees are invited to the bimah (platform) as portions of the Torah are chanted in Hebrew. The Rabbi speaks during this time, and Eva will also speak. Musaf, an additional set of prayers for Shabbat, follows.