Congregation Sh'ma Yisrael

Shabbat Etiquitte

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How to celebrate Erev Shabbat in your home

Location, Dates, and Times of Shabbat Services

Congregation Shema Yisrael welcomes anyone who wants to join us to worship the Almighty and give glory to His Son, Yeshua HaMashiach on the Shabbat. For those who are new to worshiping on the Shabbat, there are a few pieces of information that might help you know what to expect at our services.

Clothing

Many believe that to honor the Almighty and the Shabbat, that they should wear special or "dress" clothes on the Shabbat. While this is desirable, it should not be a barrier to attending, especially for those whose resources are limited. We only ask that you dress modestly in clean, serviceable clothing to show reverance to the Almighty on this day of worship.

Many of the men wear a tallit gadol (large prayer shawl). If you own one, you are encouraged to wear it for the duration of the service. If you do not have a hebraic background and tradition, you will be unlikely to own a tallit or kippah (yarmulke, a traditional head covering worn by observant Jewish men). This is not a barrier to attending Shabbat services and only wear these items if you are lead to do so. Some women wear a scarf or other head covering during worship, however you are welcome if this is not your custom.

Although it isn't clothing, most people carry a cell phone as commonly as they wear socks. We ask for the duration of our services, that you turn off your cell phone or at the very minimum, set it to vibrate. If your cell phone does vibrate and you must accept the call, quietly leave your seat and move to another room or go outside to take the call. We are deeply grateful for your respect of the worship of your fellow believers.

Food for Oneg

The members of our congregation keep Biblically kosher as defined in Leviticus Chapter 11. We ask that if you bring food to share for Oneg, it be free of pork, shellfish and any other item that would not be considered kosher. If you are uncertain about what is considered kosher, please feel free to Contact Us. We'd be glad to discuss our "Biblical diet" with you. Also, keep in mind that any vegetarian dish is acceptable.

Length of the Service

Many people coming to us from a church background have expressed surprise that we meet for most of the day, breaking later in the afternoon. Even many rabbinical synagogues have somewhat shorter services. Our worship is based on an Orthodox/Sephardic model which includes liturgy, songs, Torah services, and teachings. Of course we break for Oneg between the liturgy and the readings for a time of relaxation, good food, and good fellowship. The Shabbat is a full day affair (literally from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday) and we strive to devote all our time and energy to separating ourselves from our normal routine and concentrating on the Messiah.

That being said, we understand that people's schedules do not always allow them to attend for the entire service. While we'd love to share all of our worship time with you, it's ok if you need to come later or leave earlier. People are welcome to attend for whatever amount of time available to them. If you need to arrive late or leave early, please do so quietly so as not to disturb our worship service. Our time together is a blessing and not a burden as is our time in the presence of the Almighty.

Location

We currently meet in Meridian, Idaho in a one-storey house on Locust Grove. To find the address and a map, go to our Worship Location page.

Donations and Finances

We make our postal address available on the Contact Us page on this website should you wish to mail us a check. We also have a small offering box available if you are lead to give.

Congregation Shema Yisrael is a 501(c)(3) corporation and your contributions are fully tax-deductible.

The Practicalities of Life in the Diaspora

We understand that none of us can keep the Shabbat perfectly. People who attend our congregation come from all over the Treasure Valley and beyond so we are all obliged to drive on the Shabbat. While it is best to prepare all foods to be eaten on the Shabbat sunset on Friday, some members do not always have the resources to do so each Shabbat. Some people have jobs that obligate them to work at least on some Shabbats and even after they ask, their employers will not grant them the Shabbat off. Our congregation is not in the business of judging how others observe the Shabbat. While we ask for your respect during our time together, we live in the same world as you do and the Almighty is aware of all our circumstances. One day, the whole world will observe the Shabbat and it will be a universal day of rest. Until then, we observe Shabbat to the best of our ability, always striving to be more obedient to Him and His Torah.