Attire, Kippot, and Tallisim

The dress code is anything from business casual to dressy.  Since Shabbat is different from any other day of the week, we make a point to wear something a bit nicer and more special than our everyday clothing.  Beth El Synagogue is an egalitarian shul and women are welcome to wear pants.

A kippah (plural kippot), also known as a yarmulke, is a head covering traditionally worn by Jewish males as a sign of respect.  It represents the acknowledgement that G-d is above us, in our minds, and in our hearts.  All males over the age of three, Jewish or not, are requested to wear a head covering of some type while in the synagogue.  Women are welcome, but not required, to wear a head covering.  We will have customized kippot for Elnatan’s Bar Mitzvah available for you at the synagogue.  The kippot are yours to take as a memento. 

A tallis/tallit (plural tallisim or tallitot) is a special prayer shawl traditionally worn by Jewish men during morning prayers.  In the spirit of egalitarianism, Jewish women are invited, but not required, to don them as well.  Those younger than 13 should not wear a tallis.  At his Bar Mitzvah, Elnatan will wear a tallis for the first time during Shabbat morning services.  Because the braided fringes at the four corners of the tallis remind its wearer to observe the commandments of Judaism, wearing a tallis is reserved for Jews.