Visiting a liberal progressive synagogue

[Baldstu]

 Just a  quick question , I have  been invited  to attend next Saturday,  SHabbat , bought a Yamulke  even though I am sly , what  on earth should I wear  , formal , dark suit  ? never  been to a  service  and being sly could be  a problem wearing a Yamulke ..Normally if I am doing a Buddhist activity dark blue trousers , white shirt and red  tie ( The Three Jewels ) is this going to be  OK ?

[Marshal S.]

That depends on the tradition, Orthodox-wear the suit.  Conservative-wear suit or something nice.  Reformed-what you describe is fine.

[schro]

Just curious, why should what you wear matter? I'm not asking this to be disrespectful, but if you are dressed appropriately and neat, does your diety of choice really judge?

[Marshal S.]

Just curious, why should what you wear matter? I'm not asking this to be disrespectful, but if you are dressed appropriately and neat, does your diety of choice really judge?

In Judaism, yes.  There is a whole lot about ceremonial dress in Torah.  The kippah, (Yiddish yamulke), prayer shawl, phylacteries, etc.  
The key word is appropriate.  You don't determine that, God does.  You follow what God says to do.

As a Christian clergy, I am also surprised because people will accept dress codes and even uniforms for work, restaurants, cruise ship dinners, and wear ceremonial garb at their fraternal organizations, but get touchy when I ask them to wear vestments when they participate in worship.  
Just an observation. . .
[By participating I mean helping to lead the service.]

[schro]

Wow, therapist and clergyman. A real renaissance man.

[xnewyawka]

Wow, therapist and clergyman. A real renaissance man.

Next he'll tell us he's a lawyer too.

[Marshal S.]

Wow, therapist and clergyman. A real renaissance man.

Next he'll tell us he's a lawyer too.

Yes I am both.  No interest in law though.

See my occupation post.  I've already mentioned this there: http://www2.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=15999.msg321928#msg321928

[Cave Dweller]

Returning to the question at hand, I always fall back on the advice my father gave me: a business suit goes with almost any situation.

Since you are going into another person's place of worship, the suit will show respect for either the theology or the person inviting you - or both.

[schro]

Sorry, I do not mean to hijack this thread, but I have to be honest, I really have a hard time understanding the requirement a religion may have that someone must dress a certain way to attend their house of worship. What if a member of the congregation cannot afford the required garb? Are they not allowed?  I can understand that wearing shorts, flip flops, hats, sweats, etc. would be disallowed, but if someone wants to participate in a mass (or whatever other religions call their gatherings) and dresses respectfully, but not in the mandated garb? Shouldn't that be enough?

Not trying to start a holy war, but just don't get it.

[MarshalArtist]

In most Jewish traditions, if you don't have the means, someone will give them to you.  Often prayer shawls and kippahs are passed down through the males of a family as heirlooms.

As for vestments for worship in my tradition, we have them on hand to wear when it is your turn.  I don't expect people to buy their own albs, cassocks, surplices, and such.  What you're wearing under the vestments is not that important.  But, if you're serving at the altar, I want you to wear one of the albs we have on hand for those serving that day.

Does that help?

[Baldstu]

Many thanks guys for the tips ,I am going to play safe and wear a suit , just hope my yamulke stays whereit should be . In my own tradition when not enfaged in a activity you wear what you like . I like to identify what I wear with the colours of the three jewels of Buddhism. Where I am engaged with oversea ,s  buddhist visitors , stay smart out of respect for culture . Like wise this forthcoming visit , it is to respect the Shul ,s beliefs .

[Baldstu]

Funnily enough Marshal I have served at a Christian altar and worn an alb , apparel , long time ago though . This thing is a interfaith deal , the Rabbi is going to come to one of the Buddhist meetings .

[tomgallagher]

Personally, no matter what religion is involved, out of respect I would wear a suit and tie. As far as a Yamulka is concerned may I suggest double sided duct tape...LOL.

[buddha]

This is exactly why, when it comes to organized religion, that you can usually find me somewhere else.

[Baldstu]

Gotta laugh Tom but it would work and many thanks , weather has turned cooler here so a suit it is . I am going as a guest to learn and understand ,