To minimize distractions, we ask that you silence your cell phone during services
We encourage you to post or “live tweet” during services. Please share your Or Ami experience using the hashtag #OrAmiRVA
We believe in innovative prayer. We create our own prayer books, project PowerPoint services on our walls, hold musical services and explore a number of other engaging and inspiring approaches to prayer.
Our prayer books includes Hebrew, transliteration, translation, and creative English readings. We encourage you to join in reading and singing with the congregation.
Men and women may wear kippot/yarmulkes (head coverings) and/or tallitot as they desire, though this is not a requirement. Extras are available for your use and can be found at the entrance of the sanctuary.
The reading of the Torah in public is an ancient tradition, dating back to the third century B.C.E. It is an honor to be called up to chant the blessings before and after each section is read (aliyah). Those who are called for aliyot are Jews who are at least 13 years old because, with these blessings, the individual affirms acceptance of the Torah and its teachings. Others may be invited to accompany those who recite the Torah blessings.
We adorn our Torah scroll with special cloth coverings and silver ornaments responding to our teaching to beautify the Torah. The Torah is ceremonially undressed before and then dressed after it is read. Jews and non-Jews alike may have this honor.
