Synagogue Visit Assignment

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Kevin Alvarez REL S320 Professor Meltzer 3/28/13 Synagogue Visit Assignment The reason why I chose to visit a reform congregation was because upon conducting intern research, that Reform Jews, compared to the other different types of congregations, claim to fully integrate the Jewish culture into their lives. In this way, perhaps observing modern Jewish cultures or values that we studied in class might be more easily observed. Of course this isn’t to mention that other Jewish congregations do not hold true to their sacred history. A day before, I went ahead and called the synagogue to let them know if it was okay if I may attend their Shabbat service. I spoke to a lady named Michelle who first greeted me saying “Shalom”, later which I learned that it was a greeting. Michelle kindly let me know the address and the time service. I came dressed in business attire that Friday evening. Just by looking at the architecture of the building, I can easily observe Jewish symbols; even the fences had an interesting structure. Not to mention the huge, clean building. As I came toward the entrance of the building, there were two men that greeted me. Immediately I explained to them my purpose for being there, and they introduced themselves as Scott and Ben. Ben kindly began to explain to me how to act in an evening Friday Service. He explained that to try to follow along with the service, whether it is the singing or prayer as the Shabbat is a holy time of rest to find peace, spiritually. He then grabbed a book, which was a prayer book called a “Siddur”, and handed to me explaining that the songs are sung in Hebrew, but there is an English translation to follow along. Lastly, he gave me the option of wearing a head covering called a kippah, but I chose not to do so. As I walked inside the main room where the service is held, I definitely noticed a bible verse written on
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