Shabbat Morning Ushers

Thank you for signing up to welcome people to Beth Meyer’s weekly Shabbat services. Your smiling faces, greetings and assistance as people arrive helps make Beth Meyer a friendly and welcoming place.

Here are the responsibilities of the Ushers/Greeters:

IF YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO OPEN THE FRONT DOOR, PLEASE ARRIVE BY 9:00AM IN ORDER TO BE SURE SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE CSS PEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT DOORS AS WORSHIPPERS ARRIVE.

IF YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IS AS AN USHER/GREETER, PLEASE ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 9:15AM TO GREET THE FIRST WORSHIPPERS.

1. Masks are required for all people, including children younger than 12 years old, except when eating or drinking (which should be done outside). The Kiddush lunch will be held outside to facilitate removal of masks.

2. Offer synagogue bulletin, a bar mitzvah program, and kippot/tallit, as appropriate. All men should wear a kippah; women should be encouraged to wear some sort of head covering, especially if they will be going up on the bimah for an honor. Only Jewish men should wear a tallit. Jewish women may wear tallit if they choose. 

3. Act as an escort to seat guests if sanctuary seems full.

4. Please let guests with coats know that the coatroom is located around the corner from the Judaica shop, just across from the main office.

5. Request that cellphones be turned off and no photography or use of any electronic devices (except for the impaired or for following the services)! Phones may be set to vibrate if necessary, but they should not be answered until exited from the building.

6. Intervene if a child is being disruptive or is playing in a way that is not acceptable on Shabbat.* Inform guests that child care is available downstairs in the Main Building.

7. Intervene if an adult is acting in a manner unacceptable for Shabbat. 

8. Be aware of security or safety problems that may arise and act accordingly by seeking out one of the CSS security staff.

9. Help to keep kids from getting to the head of the adult buffet line at Kiddush by asking all kids to be accompanied by a parent.

10. Reminders: NO GUM CHEWING, NO PHOT0GRAPHY, NO VIDEO, etc!!

11. You may alternate sitting in the sanctuary with your usher partner between the morning rush and the Aleinu (at the end of Musaf).

12. In the event that you are unable to usher on your assigned date/s please find a substitute and let me know (mailto:[email protected] who will be taking your place so that I can remind them.

13. No entry or exit from sanctuary through the center lobby doors during the following times: Ark is open, people are standing, Torah is out, someone is reading Torah/Haftorah, Bar/Bat Mitzvah person is speaking.

Other useful information

-Tags for ushers are located in a basket inside the right-hand cabinet

-*To discipline kids that are making noise. If they are loud, it is OK to say something. They should be asked to leave sanctuary or refrain from whatever they are playing. If they are in the lobby area they should be sent back to the sanctuary to sit with their parents. 

- If they are coloring, writing, playing electronic games (quietly), let rabbi know after services so parents can be properly educated.

Baby Changing tables are located in Women's restroom in Main Building, and both restrooms on first floor of Satisky Building.

In the event that you are unable to usher on your assigned date/s, please contact Ellen Adelman  directly so I can find a substitute. Thank you for volunteering to be an usher at Shabbat morning services.