Dear Friends and Family,

We hope you can join us in celebrating Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah. To help make your time with us as enjoyable as possible, we have tried to include some information so you can plan for your visit.

The celebration of Rachel becoming a Bat Mitzvah occurs on Shabbat (Sabbath), the day of rest. Rachel will lead parts of the Shabbat service, beginning at 9:30 AM at Temple Emunah. 

The Shabbat service, though lacking formal breaks, is separated into four distinct parts.

●  P’sukei D’zimra (verses of praise) is the opening part of the service. Comprising verses from the Bible and the recitation of Psalms, it is seen as a “warm-up” to the rest of the service.

●  Shaharit (the morning service), during which we recite the Sh’ma (the central Jewish prayer of faith), its surrounding blessings, and the Amidah (standing prayer), which speaks to the wonders of  Shabbat, and also allows time for silent reflection.

●  The focus of Shabbat morning services is the Torah Service, during which selections from the Torah and the Prophets will be read. The ceremony during which Racehl is called to the Torah as a Bat mitzvah also takes place during this section of the service.

●  Following the rabbi’s sermon, we will conclude with the Musaf (additional) service. This service contains an additional Amidah (standing prayer), as well as closing songs.

Temple Emunah is an egalitarian, Conservative congregation. The latter implies maintaining  Judaic traditions while adapting them to the modern world, and the former means that both men and women participate fully in the worship service. As a sign of respect for God, we encourage all guests and expect male guests to cover their heads in the synagogue building with a kippah (kee-pah, or skullcap), which will be provided at the synagogue. For attire, dresses, skirts, slacks, skirts or pantsuits, and dress slacks with a button-down shirt are all appropriate. Clothing should extend below the fingertips when one’s arms are extended at their sides. While jackets and ties are not required, many wear ties and suits or sports jackets.

In the spirit of Shabbat, certain activities are not permitted while in or around the synagogue,  including taking photographs, smoking, writing, and particularly using electronic devices. There will be an usher outside the sanctuary to answer any questions you may have and to help you with any situations that may arise.

Young children are warmly embraced by our synagogue community, which tries to balance their needs with the desire to maintain the dignity of the worship service. You may choose to bring a  few books to read or borrow some from the selection maintained for this purpose at the entrance to the sanctuary. Also, there is a small playground outside the building and a quiet play space with toys inside the sanctuary.

Immediately following services will be a Kiddush lunch at Temple Emunah. All food is kosher, and there are vegetarian options.

The synagogue is handicapped accessible with an elevator; there are gender-neutral bathrooms, assisted hearing devices, and large-print prayer books. There is also a nursing room on the side of the main sanctuary.

If you have any other questions, please contact us either by phone 617-913-3475 (Sarah) or 617-997-6136 (Avi) . We look forward to gathering together to observe this important milestone in Rachel’s life. 

Sarah and Avi