Paper Example on Exploring B'nai Sholom Congregation: A Journey to Virginia

Introduction

It was not easy to make the decision to visit B'nai Sholom Congregation that is based in Virginia. The cemetery of the worship center is within the intersection of Floyd street and Bradley street within Bristol. Thus, I had to make preparations to know when the synagogue conducted their worship services, and if I was allowed to visit them during the worship moment. Therefore, I had to request the synagogue Youth director, through an email, to give me a chance to visit their place of worship since I wanted to learn more concerning their worship services. Luckily enough, I got a positive response, and I was informed to attend the worship services, commonly known as the Shabbat by the Jewish. The worship services were held on Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon. Therefore, I made arrangements with the Youth educator to arrive by Friday evening.

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On the evening of the planned Friday, I managed to get to the synagogue as planned. I was warmly welcomed and guided to the area where I met the Youth educator. She was excited to learn that I was interested in studying their worship services. Thus, I was informed that I could not attend the evening Shabbat session because there were some important things I needed to understand so that I could comfortably fit in the congregation. As a visitor, I was informed that women had to put on dressy clothing's and men had to have slacks or suit, jacket, and a tie when attending the worship service. Also, I had to get into the service when it had already started.

Furthermore, when the service was ongoing, I had to keep my cellphone silent or in vibration mode if I did not want to shut it down. Moreover, I was not allowed to speak or write during the service. Photo taking was also prohibited during the ceremony. Most importantly, when within the synagogue grounds, smoking was not recognized.

The impression of visiting the Jewish synagogue for the first time

During the Saturday morning hours, I was informed to get ready to attend the worship services. This was the hour I had waited for all that time. Just by entering the temple, I was able to recognize the eternal light, which was everywhere. It did not take long before I located the holy ark and the scrolls. I was directed almost at the back because I had been informed that those who mainly participated during the service occupied the front sits. I noted that the service was being conducted close to how I heard Christian faith services are done. While in the service, I pointed out that some women had a prayer shawl. The men and boys covered their heads with yarmulkes as a way of respecting their God.

The worship service had begun at 9:30 in the morning, and I could hear different forms of recitation. After the recitation, blessings would be offered. The climax of the service was Amidah, which was a silent prayer mean for devotion, which was done when standing. The chazzan repeated the Amidah loudly to the congregation. It did not take long before the Torah scroll got removed out of the ark and was placed at the center part of the synagogue reading for reading. A section was read and was recited, after which the Torah was lifted briefly. Then it was bound and covered and was returned to the ark for storage. Immediately, the rabbi offered a sermon in Hebrew. Being a Shabbat, recitation of additional prayers was done. By 11: 30, the services ended, and we were asked to go to the social hall for the blessings of the wine known as Kiddush. A hamotzi and Shabbat song were also done to bless the bread, after which everybody got the invite to enjoy the light luncheon festively.

Experience of being welcomed in B'nai Sholom Congregation

I felt highly commended when I visited B'nai Sholom Congregation. By interacting with the youth educator, I learned that they highly valued and appreciated visitors. All in all, when we were reading the prayer book, those around me were offering me guidance in a careful manner to ensure I found the right place in a book I was not familiar with. I was also highly encouraged to sing the congregation melodies even if I had not done that before. Thus, as a visitor, I felt so comfortable because I was also allowed to participate in the worship service. Most importantly, all the visitors who were present in the worship service were recognized and appreciated from time to time.

What was learned from the Jewish faith

It was evident there was an ark in the synagogue. This demonstrated that the people had an agreement with their God. The people believed in one God who existed from their ancestral period and helped them to achieve a lot. Furthermore, the Jewish highly observed respect to their God, and this was demonstrated through how they had a chosen dressing code while in the temple. Jews also have a well-structured form of leadership that helps them to operate efficiently. Every leader was recognized and provided with the necessary support to ensure all was done as expected.

Suggestions of what visitors should be aware when visiting B'nai Sholom Congregation

Any visitor interested in joining the Jewish congregation at the synagogue should be ready for athletic activities that might take place during the service. Various directives are made to sit or stand during specific prayers, and this is considered as a way of showing respect. Besides, a visitor should ensure they find or ask for the books to use during the worship service from the cabinet at the synagogue back wall. This will ensure that the individual is in a better position to recite the prayers with others during the ceremony. Also, a visitor needs to understand that when reading the Torah, other books will be read from the Torah scroll. Furthermore, both Hebrew and English are used in the temple, and thus, one should be prepared to know what best suits them.

In conclusion, visiting the Jewish synagogue for the worship session gave me an enjoyable experience. Their unique mode of dressing and the different practices observed during the service had a lot to information concerning their belief.

References

B'nai Sholom Congregation. https://bshalom.org/worship/description-of-services.

Newcomer's guide to Shabbat morning services. B'nai Sholom Congregation. https://www.asbi.org/newcomers-guide