Ritual Policy

July 2006

Here is the revised CBT Ritual Policy statement, adopted at the 2006 Annual Meeting.

Congregation Bnai Torah is the traditional conservative congregation serving greater Southwest Washington.

  1. Head covering and Tallit
    1. Men are required to wear a head covering when in the sanctuary and during services
    2. According to their custom, men may wear a tallit during services, but must wear one when called to the Torah
    3. Although not required, post bat mitzvah age women are encouraged to wear a head covering and tallit when in services and when called to the Torah.
  2. Order of calling to the Torah
    1. Congregation B'nai Torah follows the traditional system of Cohen, Levi and Israel.
    2. When multiple Cohanim/Leviim are to be called, the additional ones shall be called in the order the family or synagogue desires.
    3. Cohanim and Leviim may be called for the Maftir aliyah as well in order to say the Haftorah.
    4. The Haftorah may be chanted by the Maftir aliyah or by another call-up. That call-up may have someone else say the blessings in Hebrew.
    5. The Haftorah may be read in English or Hebrew. Hebrew is encouraged.
  3. Appearance in Synagogue
    1. Religious services are a time of holiness and congregants should dress appropriately.
  4. Prayer
    1. If one does not know the Torah Blessings or the Kaddish, please signal the Gabbai who will arrange for assistance.
    2. The Chazzan shall ask before the Mourner’s Kaddish if anyone needs assistance. Ritual Committee members are to observe and assist as well.