To contact our clergy study, please call 212-508-3000.
Central Synagogue orders the flowers for the Sanctuary bimah for the Shabbat. The cost is covered by a portion of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee.
The congregation provides kippot and talitot for those who choose to wear them. We do not allow families to distribute individualized kippot at services.
Our tradition teaches that one should try to wear fine clothes on the Shabbat, for it is written (Isaiah 58:13) “and you shall honor,” which is interpreted by the Rabbis to mean that the garments worn on the Shabbat shall not be the same as those worn on weekdays.
We recognize that standards for dress have become somewhat less formal than in previous generations. Still, it is our expectation that worshippers of all ages will come to services dressed in a manner reflecting “chiddur mitzvah.” Specifically, jeans, sweatshirts, t-shirts, baseball caps, bare shoulders, short skirts, and similar clothing are not appropriate.
Sadly, we sometimes have problems with decorum, especially among our younger guests and school friends, though at times among adult guests as well. In order to maintain the dignity and sacredness of the service, we hope that you will explain to your guests that the importance of quiet during services. Ushers are instructed to ask guests who do not maintain proper decorum to leave the sanctuary. If disruptive behavior continues, the service will be halted.
All cell phones and beepers are to be turned off during services while in the sanctuary.
Photographs may NOT be taken in the sanctuary on Shabbat. When a child is becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah, family photographs may be taken either before or after your last rehearsal or at another scheduled time. Lights and flash may be used at that time. Pulpit furniture may NOT be moved for the purpose of photographs. Arrangements for your family photographs can be made through the Events Department.
Photographs may be taken at the kiddush reception after services. Photographers must cooperate with the clergy, our security guards, and the Events Department regarding all matters.
As a special service to our congregants, Central Synagogue now offers a digital video recording service for your simcha. It is the policy of Central Synagogue that no outside photographers or videographers are permitted to take photos or video during services. However, Central Synagogue will provide a professional quality DVD of your child becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah through our in-house A/V consultant. The cost of the DVD will be included in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee.
Your invitations should invite your guests to be at the Saturday Morning Shabbat services in the Sanctuary promptly at the stated starting time of either 10:30 or 12:30 (through spring of 2009) or 9:30 or 11:30 AM (starting in fall 2009) depending on which time you have been assigned. Friday evening Shabbat services in the sanctuary start promptly at 6:00 PM. If you will be hosting a luncheon or kiddush in the Pavilion, Community House, or elsewhere immediately following services, this should be included on your invitation. There will be no announcements made from the bimah concerning family celebrations.
Central Synagogue presents a congregational kiddush. You and your guests are welcome participants. The kiddush consists of wine, challah, fruit, and cookies.
If you wish to hold your own special private non-congregational kiddush, or any other simcha, you will need to contact our Events Department at extension 3002. Once again, please note on your invitation where your kiddush will be following services if you are holding your own private one. Our policy is NOT to announce a private non-congregational kiddush from the bimah.
All meetings, functions, affairs, etc. taking place on Central Synagogue grounds must be booked and cleared through the Events Department. If you are holding an event connected with your Bar/Bat Mitzvah in any Central Synagogue facility, a non-refundable deposit of 50% is due upon signing a contract and the balance due 30 days prior to the event.
You must be a member in good standing to hold your event at Central Synagogue. Therefore, all your financial obligations must be current at least 30 days prior to your event.
Specific rules and guidelines regarding reserved events should be obtained from the events office.
