First Narayever
Religion
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The First Narayever was originally an Orthodox synagogue, which followed the traditions of their Galician heritage. Orthodox Jews adhere to the halakhahHalakhah / Halacha: [literally, "path of walking"] the laws of the oral Torah., following the 613 mitzvot set out in the Torah.

During the early 1980s, the Synagogue became Orthodox-egalitarian, meaning that the First Narayever still subscribes to the traditional teachings of the Torah, but applies an equal opportunity policy for both men and women. The move to egalitarianism has not changed the services in substantive ways—in that it follows the traditional liturgy, with changes made with respect to gender egalitarianism and relies on the Birnbaum sidur (nusachNusach: edition, according to the tradition of… (Ashkenaz or Sefarad): usually in reference to siddurim. SefaradSefarad / Sephard: [literally, "Spain", "of Spain"] refers to the traditions of Jews who have lived under Muslim rule (as opposed to Ashkenaz).) for ShabbatShabbat: the period between Friday at sundown and Saturday one hour after sundown in which Jews are required to refrain from all forms of work. and High HolidayHigh Holidays: The holidays of Rosh Hashannah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), when Jews must humble themselves before God and ask forgiveness for their wrongdoings. services—but allows women to sit with the men and also take a more active role in services.

The First Narayever contributes to the congregation’s religious education and development by providing informal meetings, discussion groups, post-service lectures and evening classes. Rabbi Elkin holds an on-going STEP programme (Shaliah TsiborShaliah Tsibor: [literally, "sent by the congregation"] the title given to the cantor who leads services and acts as the congregation’s representative to God.  Education Program), which is designed to teach members how to lead services. All congregation members are encouraged to participate and take an active role in daveningDavening: Yiddish for 'praying'; can be used as a noun to mean ‘services’.. In addition, the Synagogue has organized an Adult Education Program that explores the connection between Judaism and the Arts. The range of programs offered within this area, including dance, drama, music, literature, visual arts and architecture, reflects the diversity of the topic. Furthermore, the First Narayever holds weekly discussions of the Torah readings on ShabbatShabbat: the period between Friday at sundown and Saturday one hour after sundown in which Jews are required to refrain from all forms of work. afternoons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Membership book for Aliyah pledges, c. 1918
Membership book for AliyahAliyah: [literally, "ascent"] ceremony of being called upon to recite a blessing over the reading of a portion of the Torah during services. Getting an aliyah is a great honour; men often pay money in order to be called up to the Torah. This money usually goes to charity or to synagogue funds. Also, aliyah can refer to moving to Israel, i.e. "to make aliyah". pledges
(c. 1918)

Aliyah pledge card box, c. 1932
AliyahAliyah: [literally, "ascent"] ceremony of being called upon to recite a blessing over the reading of a portion of the Torah during services. Getting an aliyah is a great honour; men often pay money in order to be called up to the Torah. This money usually goes to charity or to synagogue funds. Also, aliyah can refer to moving to Israel, i.e. "to make aliyah". pledge card box (c. 1932)

Ledger for Aliyah pledges, c. 1932
Ledger for AliyahAliyah: [literally, "ascent"] ceremony of being called upon to recite a blessing over the reading of a portion of the Torah during services. Getting an aliyah is a great honour; men often pay money in order to be called up to the Torah. This money usually goes to charity or to synagogue funds. Also, aliyah can refer to moving to Israel, i.e. "to make aliyah". pledges (c. 1932)

Lady’s High Holiday seat ticket, 1949
Lady’s High Holiday seat ticket (1949)

Cemetery plot certificate presented to Sam Halperin (1975)
Cemetery plot certificate presented to Sam Halperin (1975)

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