Community
Code of conduct
Kehilat Beta Yisrael Synagogue (Behaviour)
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
It is the responsibility of members of Kehilat Beta Yisrael to ensure that the synagogue is an ethical stronghold in all its pursuits and dealings. Members should be guided by kedushah (holiness) in promoting the synagogue’s mission of having personal relationship with the Holy One (Blessed be He) and sustaining Judaism. Their role is that of managing the sacred, by bringing vision, wisdom and dedication to their commitment and our holy Congregation. In doing so; they are expected to adhere to the following principles:
Shabbat Observance
All Kehilat Beta Yisrael Synagogue members and staff shall observe the principles teach by the Torah and those pertaining to Shabbat observance (including arrival prior to Shabbat service and all synagogue event or services, as well as refraining from the use of electronic devices during Shabbat or Yom Tov services); all males must wear Kippot during all services and meals, and Tallit/Tefillin for morning services, where appropriate. Every female most wear the head cover during the Shabbat and all holidays service. The Kehilat Beta Yisrael Synagogue member Dress Code will be observed at all times.
Expectations
- Gain spiritual and personal growth in relationship with the Most High;
- Serve as role models;
- Act as advocates and positive spokespersons for the synagogue;
- Embrace tzedakah (righteous action).
Accountability
- Uphold Torah values such as fairness, derech Eretz (respectful engagement), mutual respect, sensitivity and openness;
- Act with personal honesty and integrity;
- Preserve the dignity of the synagogue, its members and those who serve it;
- Support the daily work of the Congregation and its leadership;
- Maintain a safe, warm and welcoming environment.
Communication and Confidentiality
- Refrain from breaking the Torah laws of la-shonharah (idle gossip or slanderous talk)
- Respect the privacy of others (Remember that your right stop where the right of other begin)
- Communicate openly and truthfully
- Express constructively, and address to the appropriate party any discussions of policy, positions, programs or individuals
- Ensure that disagreement relate only to principles and priorities, not personalities
Respect for Others
- Ensure that everyone involved in synagogue life is treated with kavod (respect);
- Enable those who are connected with synagogue life to reach their highest potential;
- Teach that all are created b’tzelem Elohim (in the image of God) and that come with a great sense of honour, responsibility and a privilege;
- Remember and remind others that the goals are relationship with the Holy One (Blessed be He), unity, not uniformity nor religiosity;
- Ensure that boundaries, prerogatives and expertise are respected.
The privileges and benefits bestowed upon members are a blessing, creating the opportunity for personal growth through commitment to the Jewish community. By living a committed Torah based life, each of us can improve while contributing to tikkun-olam (repair of the world).
Oneg Shabbat
On every Shabbat after the service we host a community Oneg. It is led by our kitchen committee within The KBY Sisterhood. If you are visiting for the first time, you are not required to bring food. Simply enjoy the fellowship. Our gatherings are vegetarian, dairy and kosher meats. For those attending service regularly, please see Claudia if you will like to bring food to help contribute to the oneg. If you do not keep kosher but still would like to help-or cannot cook we will give you a list of kosher items that may be purchased from the store on your behalf to contribute. You may also give freely to the oneg fund by marking your tithe envelope and placing it inside of the donation boxes. For more information please see Rebbetzin or Madam Claudia.
Children Torah Class
If you have children and you intend to come with them, we have classes only during regular services on Shabbat. The age range for classes during shabbat services are 1 yr olds-11 yrs old. Children within the ages of 3months along with the mother and 1yr can attend class as long as they are potty trained and can verbally let the teachers know that they need to go to the washroom.
- Children 3 yrs old and under WHO ARE NOT potty trained, meet in the “Kid Zone” in the back area for SUPERVISED PLAY time only with their parents or guardians.
- There is also a nursery upstairs for nursing and sleeping babies as well as a full kitchen to prep food.
Sometimes when the weather permits, the teachers will take the children outside to the park or backyard to play.
If you do not want your child to participate, please let the teachers know when you drop them off. - If your child has an allergy or medical condition please speak with the teachers as well.
- Bring snacks for your child, they will get hungry before the day is over, especially if we have long services or events.
Bring extra clothes/diapers & wipes, etc. When in need or caught off guard, please see another mom or the Rebbetzin for help. Almost any mom attending will have extra supplies. - Teachers will not help your children in the washroom due to privacy laws. Ushers or Assistant Teachers may get you to help your child in the washroom. Please be prepared for this inadvance.
- Do not allow your children to play outside without supervision, especially near cars. We do not any accidents.
Women Group (Sisterhood)
Women are unique and wonderfully created by G-d. Proverbs 31:10-11 “A woman of valor who can find, she is worth far more than precious jewels. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, and he profits greatly thereby.” Women live complex lives full of ups and downs, yet they can make a huge difference in the world around them, be it at home or at the shul and at society at large. KBY sisterhood understands these challenges and they offer real-life support to those striving to maintain life’s balance. Most importantly KBY seek to lead women to a personal relationship with the H-ly One. Our Women’s Missionary helps to extend G-d’s love through support for those in need through prayer support and other forms of assistance. While our Girls Night Out provides a way for ladies from all stages of life to share, to challenge, to love and to support one another in a fun and relax way, away from daily routine.
Men Group (Brotherhood)
The objective of our brotherhood ministry dedicated to men is to disciple and equip our male members in their roles as men of G-d, whether married, single, older, younger in responsibilities to their spouse, family, KBY, the society and the country at large . Our men meeting (Shacharit), which gathers monthly, also opens the opportunity to discuss the forward development of the synagogues.