Our dress code is simple: wear clothing that is modest and clean. Have the mindset of dressing in a way that is pure and non-distracting. That applies to both men and women.
Our bodies are sacred and set apart for G-d; therefore, we should not defile, but instead, showing by our dress and appearance, that we understand how precious they are. Respect yourself, others, and G-d in the way you dress.
As a few examples:
Men/boys – Please avoid low-riding pants that appear to be falling down and/or expose your underwear. Tank tops/muscle shirts, shorts, or shirts that display your midriff should also be avoided.
You may choose to wear a kippah as recognition of the fact that G-d is above you, and you may also want to wear a tallit; however, neither are required and you will see both men with and without them in our services.
Women/girls – No halter tops or bare shoulders please. All undergarments should be concealed. Shorts, mini-skirts or dresses, form-fitting and tight clothing, as well as exposed midriff or cleavage are not appropriate for a worship service, so please also avoid these.
Some women will wear head coverings and/or prayer scarves. As with the men, neither are required and you will see women with and without them. We do ask, however, that women forego wearing anything that resembles tzitzit (fringes) or a tallit with fringes during our services as we believe Scripture teaches that these items are for men only.
For all – Please remember this is a House of Worship. For that reason, we request that for weekly Shabbat services jeans, trousers, or skirts/dresses be worn in lieu of shorts. We appreciate your willingness to honor the House of Adonai.
During the Biblical feasts (especially the High Holy Days period, which includes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), you will want to dress in a way that is appropriate for your meeting with The King. We do not want to create a hardship for anyone concerning dress, so wear what you have. We present the following as a guideline for your consideration:
Men/boys (Feasts and Festivals) – No shorts, t-shirts, or athletic clothing. Khakis, dress pants, a sports-type shirt with a collar, a button-up shirt with a collar, or jacket and tie are appropriate.
Women/girls (Feasts and Festivals) – No shorts, t-shirts, or athletic clothing. Dresses, suits, or dress pants are appropriate.
Rosh Hashanah – You may want to select clothing that is a bit dressier than business casual, but less dressy than for a formal evening event. Keeping in mind modesty and respect, women should cover their shoulders and have very little leg showing above the knee, while men may want to wear a collared shirt and tie, and perhaps even a jacket.
Yom Kippur – Yom Kippur is the most sacred of the Jewish holidays. The type of clothing should be similar to what you would wear during Rosh Hashanah. Men in traditional synagogues often wear ties and jackets.
Most people dress in white for Yom Kippur. There are several reasons for this, including the following:
There is also a long-standing tradition to avoid wearing leather on Yom Kippur, most likely deriving from leather’s association with high status and luxury. Foregoing leather products is one way we humble ourselves because all people are created equal before G-d. Additionally, walking on one of G-d’s creations (i.e., an animal) could be considered haughty, so we forego leather in order to humble ourselves before Him and before each other.