GUIDE FOR VISITORS TO BHHC
on SHABBAT, FESTIVALS, AND SERVICES
We look forward to welcoming you to our shul. Please do your best to observe these guidelines in order to show respect to the Shabbat day, the High Holy days, and our Rabbi and congregation.
If this is your first time at our synagogue
This page tells you a few things you need to know about attending our Orthodox synagogue. If you would like someone to keep an eye out for you please contact the synagogue office in advance of your visit and we will do our best to ensure this.
What is Shabbat?
Shabbat, the Jewish Day of Rest, begins just before sunset on Friday night, and ends after nightfall on Saturday. Certain things such as turning lights on and off, driving, or using your mobile device are forbidden.
There are three services held in the synagogue on Shabbat: Shacharit, Mincha, and Maariv. All the times of our services are displayed on the website, which you can access by clicking here.
What to expect at a shul service?
We are an Orthodox congregation. As a sign of respect to the members of our congregation and the sanctity of the Shabbat day itself, we kindly ask that you observe the following:
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If you need to bring your mobile phone on to the shul grounds, please switch it off completely or at the least ensure that it is in airplane mode. Please do not consult it in the synagogue during the service.
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Men should cover their heads with a hat or a kippah (yarmulkah), which may be acquired within the shul.
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Men should wear smart, long trousers, and avoid wearing casual clothing such as tee-shirts without collars.
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Unmarried Jewish and non-Jewish men do not need to wear a tallit (prayer shawl).
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Even if it is not your practice, we request that when you visit us for a Shabbat service that women wear smart, modest clothing that covers your arms, and refrain from wearing trousers or shorts because we are an Orthodox congregation.
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Married Jewish and non-Jewish women should cover their hair, either with a scarf or hat.
Coming into the shul
​There is a security presence at the shul which consists of paid and voluntary individuals. Please be patient, and answer any questions you are asked. It is for our collective safety that security operate onsite.
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Once you enter the premises, please make your way straight inside; do not hang about or cluster.
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When you leave the shul, do so directly and quickly, without delay. Do not cluster or hang about the exit.
​If you need to bring a bag on to the site, do not leave it unattended. Coats and jackets may be left in the cloakroom.
Prams are not allowed in the shul, please leave them outside in the Kiddush space.​
The site is situated on one level, so is accessible. Please watch your footing through the grounds, as there are gates and gardens.​
If you are unfamiliar with the shul layout, someone will be happy to help you. ​Communal facilities, such as men's and women's cloakrooms, are signposted, but please ask if you are unsure.
Behaviour and conduct in shul
​​Men and women are seated separately and there are separate entrances - please respect this.
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We ask that you refrain from chatting when the Ark is open.
We ask that you ensure your children do not disrupt congregants.
There is a young children's service at 11 AM on Shabbat morning (you do not need to book your kids for this but feel free to contact the Shul office who can put you in touch with more information).
Inside the shul, there is a variety of siddurim (prayer books) available for you to use. If you are uncertain which one to use, please ask!
After the service
​After the service there is a kiddush (a modest buffet of finger-foods and beverages) which you are welcome to join.
The practice is to wait until the Rabbi has pronounced the blessing over food and drink before eating or drinking. ​​
You are welcome to join the rest of the congregation in the kiddush​, where we hope to meet you!