Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh.

All of Israel is responsible

for one another.

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What to Expect

TBE is a Conservative synagogue, which means that people of all genders pray together, count in a minyan (prayer group), are invited to wear kippot (prayer caps) for all services, and wear tallitot (prayer shawls) on Shabbat mornings. We use the prayer book Siddur Lev Shalem, which includes prayers written in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew (Hebrew words spelled using the Roman alphabet), and English translations. Presentable, casual dress is the standard, and we only ask that you do not use electronic devices at the synagogue on Shabbat and holidays.

If you are feeling anxious or uneasy about coming to services, here's what we want you to know:
  • Prayer services can be intimidating! At TBE we want to do everything we can to break down those barriers.
  • Our minyan (prayer group) is known for being especially welcoming to newcomers and people who do not regularly come to services. No one expects you to be an expert, and it's okay to make a mistake. If you have not spent most of your Shabbat mornings at shul (synagogue), chances are that you will get lost at some point during the service, feel like you should know the words and/or melody when you don't, and might assume that you are the only person who is feeling that way. You are not! Humming along, reading the poetry and liturgical insights in the margins of the prayer book (on any page), or just observing are all wonderful ways to engage with the service.
  • If you are not Jewish (were born to a Jewish mother or have undergone a formal conversion process) and have questions about which rituals may or may not apply to you during a prayer service at TBE, give us a call at (207) 774- 2649 or shoot us an email and we'd be happy to talk. 
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