15 replies to this topic

[-Enlightened]

Part of earning all the college credits to graduate, we must take a religion class .

It's very interesting & i learn a lot .. but we have a project coming up which is to visit a religious place (except our own religion) and observe a ritual.

Since my teacher is a jew, i decided to take the jewish religion & visit a synagogue .. (so she can give me a higher grade ...& also, to try and make peace with the followers of Abraham)

now i need someone knowledgeable on this site to answer these questions

• 1) what should I wear that day ? (im not sure about the jews traditional clothes.)
  
• 2)should I bring some cookies with me to give (to look nice)?
  
• 3) What will be the jew's first impression if they see a Hijabi in their place (a terrorist just came?) ?
  
• 4)have you ever visited a synagogue ?do you know someone who has ever been? how was your experience ?

Edited by -Enlightened, 12 September 2012 - 04:36 PM.

[Reshad]

you're obviously asking the wrong website....

[-Enlightened]

thanks for letting me know ^

i will sign up in this Jewish Shiachat  http://www.hashkafah.com/

and i will post my question there .

but i would still like to know if Any Muslim on this site have ever visited a synagogue and if they can share their experience

Edited by -Enlightened, 12 September 2012 - 04:35 PM.

[Gotham]

ws, well there are a couple of jewish people on SC, you could ask them maybe?

[jannahismygoal]

-Enlightened, on 12 September 2012 - 04:15 PM, said:

Part of earning all the college credits to graduate, we must take a religion class .

It's very interesting & i learn a lot .. but we have a project coming up which is to visit a religious place (except our own religion) and observe a ritual.

Since my teacher is a jew, i decided to take the jewish religion & visit a synagogue .. (so she can give me a higher grade ...& also, to try and make peace with the followers of Abraham)

now i need someone knowledgeable on this site to answer these questions

• 1) what should I wear that day ? (im not sure about the jews traditional clothes..i dont wanna go with the long black abaya..)
  
• 2)should I bring some cookies with me to give (to look nice)?
  
• 3) What will be the jew's first impression if they see a Hijabi in their place (a terrorist just came?) ?
  
• 4)have you ever visited a synagogue ?do you know someone who has ever been? how was your experience ?

Well, I'm not someone knowledgeable, but I'll give it a shot.

1) I am not sure how the Jews dress like in your area. But when I visited a synagogue for a bat mitzvah (Jewish coming of age ritual)... I saw the females dressed as they would dress any day., i.e.- Shorts, dresses, blouses. To my understanding, they did not observe any form of dress code when attending the synagogue, as you would see in a Masjid, for example... let's say if a girl doesn't wear Hijab, at the masjid  she would be required to wear it, as a form of respect. But, I have seen the more orthodox Jews. You know the ones I am talking about right? The men, with their long top black hats, and long beards, etc...Girls, I think they just wear long skirts and a sort of bandana head covering type of thing. Not sure... But why, not stick to a black 'abaya? You could never go wrong with that. They will all, instantly know you are Muslima

2) Hehe, cookies. It would be a nice gesture, yes. But, I don't think it would matter if you came empty handed, you are attending for educational purposes. It's not like, you were invited to an event or anything. Up to you Although...you should go for brownies!

3) I think it depends in the area you live in. If there is a large Muslim population then, seeing a Muhijaba shouldn't come as a surprise to them, in terms of appearance. Perhaps, they may think it's weird that their "nemesis" is visiting them JK.

4) Yes, I have! Once, like I mentioned: for a bat mitzvah. I attended the reception only, which took place in the synagogue. My experience was awkward. I didn't know anyone, so I just sat in the very back row and observed. It was interesting, I could say. But, if I had socialized more (which I never do) it would have made the ambient alot more lively for me.

Edited by jannahismygoal, 12 September 2012 - 04:38 PM.

[-Enlightened]

jannahismygoal, on 12 September 2012 - 04:37 PM, said:

Well, I'm not someone knowledgeable, but I'll give it a shot.

1) I am not sure how the Jews dress like in your area. But when I visited a synagogue for a bat mitzvah (Jewish coming of age ritual)... I saw the females dressed as they would dress any day., i.e.- Shorts, dresses, blouses. To my understanding, they did not observe any form of dress code when attending the synagogue, as you would see in a Masjid, for example... let's say if a girl doesn't wear Hijab, at the masjid  she would be required to wear it, as a form of respect. But, I have seen the more orthodox Jews. You know the ones I am talking about right? The men, with their long top black hats, and long beards, etc...Girls, I think they just wear long skirts and a sort of bandana head covering type of thing. Not sure... But why, not stick to a black 'abaya? You could never go wrong with that. They will all, instantly know you are Muslima

2) Hehe, cookies. It would be a nice gesture, yes. But, I don't think it would matter if you came empty handed, you are attending for educational purposes. It's not like, you were invited to an event or anything. Up to you Although...you should go for brownies!

3) I think it depends in the area you live in. If there is a large Muslim population then, seeing a Muhijaba shouldn't come as a surprise to them, in terms of appearance. Perhaps, they may think it's weird that their "nemesis" is visiting them JK.

4) Yes, I have! Once, like I mentioned: for a bat mitzvah. I attended the reception only, which took place in the synagogue. My experience was awkward. I didn't know anyone, so I just sat in the very back row and observed. It was interesting, I could say. But, if I had socialized more (which I never do) it would have made the ambient alot more lively for me.

thank you so much for sharing your experience sister !!!
very interesting.

[Allahuakbar]

I had to take part in such an assignment before as well. My professor was not Jewish but we had a close relationship and she suggested a particular synagague. I honestly think she was curious to see my reaction; I may have been curious as well. It turned out to be a pleasant experience. I was very nervous initially but since my professor had connections in the institution she made sure everything went smoothly. They were expecting me and prepared a female guide to provide instruction before, during, and after their service. I was given text with translation. Most of the members were European Jews save for a few older families who were actually of Israeli decent. And of course, these were the honored families. Some of the members changed their manner with me after I declined to shake hands with the men but the Rabbi understood. In general, everyone was very polite. I guess prepare gloves if you're going to shake hands. In the end, they invited me to visit them again but I never had time to do so.

I don't think you really have to worry about clothing. Although looking back now, I realize I was as well. I didn't want to scare anyone or portray a negative image of our religion. I didn't wear black and opted out for one of those 3/4 length jilbabs (not full length.)

Edited by Allahuakbar, 12 September 2012 - 05:36 PM.

[jannahismygoal]

Allahuakbar, on 12 September 2012 - 05:36 PM, said:

I don't think you really have to worry about clothing. Although looking back now, I realize I was as well. I didn't want to scare anyone or portray a negative image of our religion. I didn't wear black and opted out for one of those 3/4 length jilbabs (not full length.)

oh yeah! Actually that's a good idea. Where an earthy color jilbaab

[CLynn]

Well, I am not Muslim but I attended a synagogue service as a child.  It was a very nice experience.  I was just dressed typical for the time, which was back then (I'm dating myself )  in a dress, as girls only wore dresses back then.  We went as a class trip.  We did have to wear a head covering.  I don't remember if we all just put on yamaka's, which were provided, or if that was just for the boys.
I imagine you will be welcome as long as you are dressed modest.  It is only respectful.  I never go into a house of God without dressing properly.
We also visited a Greek Catholic service.  I don't suppose there were mosques back then in my country.  Back then no one talked about Islam.  I never heard Islam spoken of at all in all my growing up years... not until after 9/11.

Edited by CLynn, 12 September 2012 - 07:11 PM.

[-Enlightened]

CLynn, on 12 September 2012 - 06:59 PM, said:

Well, I am not Muslim but I attended a synagogue service as a child.  It was a very nice experience.  I was just dressed typical for the time, which was back then (I'm dating myself )  in a dress, as girls only wore dresses back then.  We went as a class trip.  We did have to wear a head covering.  I don't remember if we all just put on yamaka's, which were provided, or if that was just for the boys.
I imagine you will be welcome as long as you are dressed modest.  It is only respectful.  I never go into a house of God without dressing properly.
We also visited a Greek Catholic service.  I don't suppose there were mosques back then in my country.  Back then no one talked about Islam.  I never heard Islam spoken of at all in all my growing up years... not until after 9/11.

That's a very nice experience. thank you !
which religion are you from if you don't mind me asking ?

Allahuakbar, on 12 September 2012 - 05:36 PM, said:

Interesting ! I think my teacher is also looking forward to see my reaction then

thank you for reassuring me that everything will go well

[ZephyrWind]

I have been to synagogues on more than one occasion.  A lot of what to expect or what to wear or how they will react will depend upon which branch/ sect of Judaism.  (I wouldn't take cookies, though.)  Do you know which you might consider attending, or does it not matter to you which?  Which kinds are in the area where you live?  Have you considered asking your professor which one she attends and asking her your questions?  I would also recommend calling ahead and letting someone know you are planning to come.

[CLynn]

-Enlightened, on 12 September 2012 - 07:46 PM, said:

That's a very nice experience. thank you !
which religion are you from if you don't mind me asking ?

Greetings Enlightened,

I think you were addressing me.  

My story is long.
I believe in God.  I do not believe in religion.

I was brought into life in a professing Roman Catholic family.  I say professing because there wasn't alot of practicing... just the going through the motions.  I didn't learn much about Christianity there, just the rituals of going to church and through the services... which I still love to this day, by the way.  I know now that these traditions and rituals are very much based in the Jewish faith that preceded Christianity... i.e., since it was the Jews to whom Jesus taught.  It was my religion class in the Roman Catholic church that took us to the Synagogue and the Greek Orthodox (Catholic) church.  I did learn discipline in faith, and God did enter into my heart.  I praise the Catholic church for the discipline one learns from the faith.  I think Muslims learn this same sort of discipline from their faith.

Anyway through the years... mostly due to health issues and still wanting my children to learn faith... we branched out.  I let my children attend church with their friends.  So we became familiar with the Baptists and the Methodists.  It turned out that I knew many people who attended the Methodist church and it was a very short drive for me, so that is where we began attending as a family.  My son eventually was baptised in the Baptist church, by his own choosing.  (All three of my children had already been baptised in the Catholic church as babies... What the Catholic church calls Christening)  I have also attended services at the Jehovah's Witnesses and have read a lot of their material.  I read all the time the material put out by the United Church of Christ.  I have limited exposure to some Mormon people... and still do not know what I think there... they seem ok but I have tried twice now to read their scriptures and it gets very strange... they also I feel are very disciplined in their faith and devotion to God, at least.

So anyway to describe me I would say that I believe in God, and I love Him and am devoted to Him... all of which came out of my early Catholic upbringing.  I obey God by following what is told to me in the scriptures of the Bible about what sort of behavior God expects.  I have engaged in study of the scriptures through many different sources and mainly I learned that every thing, that I ever needed to know, about any thing, is in the Bible.  It is God's instruction book that sets out for us the things we need to know.  It is His way of protecting us.  If nothing else it is the wisdom of generations that have gone before, set down for us.  I find some truth in all scriptures... Judeo-Christian, Mormon, Muslim.

I find that I disagree with all religions in some way or other.  Religion is a thing of man.  I believe Jesus tried to teach us about who God really is and that it is not the buildings or the rituals... as He so often criticized the Pharisees over... but it is in the hearts that we find the temple of God.  In terms of religion, I think the people who come closest to being God's people are the Amish.

There is a quote that I love;
"I believe in Jesus as I believe in the sun... not because I see it, but because by it... I see everything else."

I have also studied Buddhism to a fairly good degree and I see the value and wisdom in it.  Sometimes I think Buddhism comes closest to God.  I can see where the wisdom of Jesus is very similar to the earlier wisdom of Buddha.  I also believe the Native Americans were Godly people through their reverence of the nature which God provided.

So, that is probably no help at all, and now you probably feel for sure that I am lost.  
but I know that I am not.  I feel God with me every day and I seek His will in all things.
I experience God in a much greater way than the mere material things which the limited mind of man understands... i.e., religion.
No I'm not unbalanced.  I live a very normal everyday life.  

I believe God is Love.
They asked Jesus,
"Which is the greatest commandment?
and He replied,
Love God above all else, and the second is like it,
love others as self... as you would want others to love you.  For it is through these that all the Law is fulfilled."
[this is my paraphrase]

I believe in all the teachings.  I believe God has come to us in many ways across the generations to try to reach and guide our hearts to Him.  It is up to us to "keep what is good and reject what is not good." * To discern the Truth.

Jesus said the only way to the Father is through the Son.  I believe it is Jesus that leads us to God... to Love.

* But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;. King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.) ... word of God, and what they found to be true they were to embrace; what was false they were to reject

I recommend reading this link, there is too much there to share but I think so important.  Read the commentaries particularly.
http://bible.cc/1_th...onians/5-21.htm

I hope you do not mind that very long reply.  <3
CLynn

Edited by CLynn, 13 September 2012 - 09:27 PM.

[-Enlightened]

CLynn, on 13 September 2012 - 09:15 PM, said:

Greetings Enlightened,


I hope you do not mind that very long reply.  <3
CLynn

Greetings !

I read everything you wrote ,it wasn't long because it was very interesting .
you did a lot of research and readings. I encourage you to continue . Its very nice.
Your belief in god is very inspiring .

The same divine energy that the Buddhist are trying to seek is the same eternal absolute divine (god) in judaism, christianity & islam.

[Marbles]

-Enlightened, on 12 September 2012 - 04:15 PM, said:

now i need someone knowledgeable on this site to answer these questions

• 1) what should I wear that day ? (im not sure about the jews traditional clothes.)
  
• 2)should I bring some cookies with me to give (to look nice)?
  
• 3) What will be the jew's first impression if they see a Hijabi in their place (a terrorist just came?) ?
  
• 4)have you ever visited a synagogue ?do you know someone who has ever been? how was your experience ?

Wasalam

Lots of good advice but I will add my two paisas worth nonetheless.

1 & 2) Consult your Jewish teacher. S/he is best suited to answer these for you.

3) You will have a few raised eyebrows if at all. Nothing to worry. I speak from experience

4) I have visited Synagogues in Czech Republic, Hungary and England. It's better to dress up conservatively which you already will. Men in particular are required to cover their heads if they are bare headed. I was provided with a kippa and made into a makeshift Jew so long as I remained within the boundaries of the Synagogue. I had a couple of females with me on one occasion, in hijab, and nobody seemed to care. But it was at a rather touristy Synagogue.

You should be fine but, again, talk to your teacher about dress code and cookies etc.

Edited by Marbles, 14 September 2012 - 08:36 AM.

[ImAli]

Off with your head!

J/K

[-Enlightened]

Thank you marbles and imAli