didnt know where to ask this

So its been awhile and I want to just visit a shul. Though I don't know what kind. How can I figure out? Also, should I call before hand or just show up? In the community newspaper, they usually list service times for churchs and temples.

Are you asking which type you should visit? That's going to be up to you of course. You could maybe start with a Conservative shul then visit Chabad if you feel comfortable. You can use this link below to find Conservative shuls in your area. Most likely they have a website.

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

If I were you I would call ahead as they seem to like to know when visitors are coming. They might have someone greet you at the door and sit with you. Do you have any friends who currently go to shul in your area? If yes, you could also visit a shul with them.

I think it totally depends on you, and your preferences. Personally I usually like to be left alone, so I've never rung a synagogue in advance, and they've never seemed put out or unwelcoming when I turn up. (I've only been to 1 orthodox service though, so perhaps its different in those communities). If you want someone to welcome you, or to help guide you through the service, then I'd call ahead.

Good luck!

Thank you both for the advice.

I have one more quesrion. My old synaogue was very casual. Not really streeet casual but dress casual. Are most like that?

I'm sorry for the questions. I always seem to worry about things that seem stupid to worry about

Yaakov_Ezra wrote:

Thank you both for the advice.

I have one more quesrion. My old synaogue was very casual. Not really streeet casual but dress casual. Are most like that?

It just depends on the community. That is one reason to check out the website if they don't have one. You can also call or email and ask if you are concerned. If you wear dress pants, a button up shirt and a tie you'll be fine I am sure. Also remember to take a kippah.

Yaakov_Ezra wrote:

I'm sorry for the questions. I always seem to worry about things that seem stupid to worry about

This place is here for questions. Ask all you need. I worry about all those little details too and we're not the only ones.

It's always best to dress nice--button down shirt and tie for men, skirt/dress for women--and then check out how everyone else dresses. If you come into a casual shul well-dressed, if your clothes are even noticed, people will generally think well of you. If you come into a more formal shul casually dressed, it will make a bad first impression. It's kind of like an interview that way: always better to dress nice to start with, then casual down if allowable.

Also, many Friday night services tend to be more casual, because people go after they get off work. So keep that in mind if you see everyone wearing jeans and casual clothes on Friday; they may wear ties and dresses on Saturday.

I normally don't contact anyone ahead of time, but if you're only going to do one service, you might ask the office which is better for a newcomer. Some synagogues do not have many people on a Friday night, while some do not have much of a Saturday service. And some might have a casual, instrumental Friday service and a formal Saturday service, or one's more family-orientated and the other more traditional. But if you have the time, go to all the available services at a Shul to get the overall flavor of the community and see which service best suits your interests.

And if you don't like calling (I am shy and don't like to call if I can help it), the vast majority of synagogues have websites and they not only list their service times there, they will have an e-mail address.