Dressing Up” for Temple”

The Board of Trustees passed the following resolution at its meeting on December 16, 2004. The resolution originated with the Ritual Committee as a result of some concern about the way in which some congregants have been dressed during Shabbat Services.

Although a Jew can pray anywhere or any time on his or her own, there is something special about praying in a community setting. Although services at Sinai Temple are not overly formal, there is something holy about what we do in the sanctuary. That is why the Ritual Committee and the Board of Trustees believe that dressing appropriately for services is important. In particular, we believe that anyone who participates in a service by coming up to the bimah should be aware of the following:

1. Wearing skirts that are more than several inches above the knee is inappropriate.

2. Girls exposing the midriff is not appropriate for the bimah.

3. Boys will want to remember that when they are on the bimah, their shirts should be tucked in.

In general, Sinai Temple recommends that children who participate in services or come up onto the bimah should dress the way they would dress for a public school concert.

Modesty and respectful dress is always appropriate.