About the First Narayever Congregation

Gender Egalitarianism

In ritual and liturgical matters, FNC follows the traditional halacha, except that no distinction whatsoever is made in status or participation between women and men, and we have authorized our Rabbi to perform weddings between same-sex couples.

Liturgy

In accordance with our constitution, FNC follows the traditional liturgy,with changes made for the purposes of gender egalitarianism. We use the Birnbaum sidur (nusach Sefarad) for Shabbat and holiday services. The Torah is read on an annual cycle.

Services

Services are held every Friday night (6 pm), on Shabbat (9 am), and Sunday morning (9 am), as well as on Yamim Tovim. Congregational members routinely assume the role of shaliach tsibur for our services, and all are invited to take an active role in our davening. Opportunities to learn the traditional liturgy are provided.

Kashrut

All food in the shul must be kosher with an approved hechsher. Food at any catered function must be provided by a shul-approved caterer. For more information, read the complete Kiddush guidelines, or contact the Kiddush coordinator. See also our Allergy Policy.

Personal Status

Non-Jewish friends or family members are welcome at our services. However, they are not permitted to perform ritual functions in the services.

Head Covering

In keeping with our shul's traditional-egalitarian philosophy, all men, women, and children are expected to keep their heads covered while in the building

Accessibility

In order to facilitate access to our shul by wheelchair bound members and visitors, the shul owns a Stair-Trac, which can move a wheelchair up and down stairs.

Please note that our Stair-Trac can only accommodate manual wheelchairs, not electric wheelchairs. We do keep a manual wheelchair on site at the shul. If you think your access to our shul might be facilitated by the use of our Stair-Trac device, please notify the office, and we will have one of our designated Stair-Trac operators at shul when you arrive. The shul has a wheelchair accessible washroom on the lower level.

Large type siddurim are available for those with a visual impairment. If you would like to daven from one of our large type siddurim, please ask the rabbi or the usher when you arrive.

Some members of our community have an allergic reaction to strong odors. Please refrain from wearing perfume or after-shave at the shul at any time. Thank you!

The First Narayever Congregation does not ban any kosher food from being served or prepared on its premises, therefore allergens that could trigger an anaphylactic reaction could be present on the premises. Adults and children who attend services/functions at our synagogue and eat at our synagogue are completely responsible for any health concerns they may have with respect to food and drink. Please see our complete Allergy Policy for details and an explanation.

As of June 2010, we have a Committee on Accessibiliy. We expect to be updating this section soon.

Privacy Policy

The shul recognizes the importance of privacy and the sensitivity of personal information. We take seriously our obligation to keep this information confidential and we protect it with physical, electronic and procedural safeguards. Our privacy policy explains how we manage personal information and safeguard your privacy.