Plan Your Visit — Discover a Warm Welcome at Emanu El

We are open each weekday between 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., except U.S. federal holidays or most Jewish holidays.

If you’re attending a service, we generally recommend arriving about 15 minutes early to allow time to find a seat and get comfortable before the service begins.

We offer parking in our Gaylor Parking Facility. Level 1 is reserved for accessible parking and drop-off for the Becker School and Helfman Religious School. General parking is available on Levels 2–5.

On weekdays, you will most likely be greeted by Sue, our front desk coordinator. If you’re attending Friday evening or Saturday morning services, you will likely be greeted by a Board member or a member of our staff.

If you’re planning to visit us on Shabbat, you’ll be greeted with “Shabbat Shalom,” which is how we wish each other “a peaceful sabbath.” Some may say “Good Shabbos” instead. You can use these phrases to greet others, and they’ll say it right back!

You don’t need to be Jewish to visit Emanu El. We welcome people of different faiths and backgrounds, including interfaith families. Whether you’re joining a friend or loved one, exploring Judaism, or simply curious about our community, we’re glad to welcome you.

We don’t have a formal dress code. For services, lifecycle ceremonies, Music at Emanu El concerts, Sisterhood events, and other programs, most people wear business casual or business attire. Within that range, choose something that feels comfortable to you when planning your visit.

Children of all ages are welcome at Emanu El Houston. If your family needs a break during your visit, you’re welcome to use the Family Room when it’s available or any of the seating areas throughout the synagogue.

Our services include both Hebrew and English, and you don’t need to know Hebrew to join us. Our prayer books include English translations and transliterations—Hebrew words written in English—to help you follow along. You’re welcome to join in as you feel comfortable or simply listen and reflect.

Non-Jewish visitors are welcome to join in congregational prayers and songs as they feel comfortable, or simply listen and reflect. Some ritual roles are reserved for Jewish participants; if you’re invited to take a particular role in a service, our clergy team can help you understand what’s involved.

You’re welcome at Congregation Emanu El in Houston, even if you’ve never been to a synagogue before. You don’t need prior experience with Jewish worship to join us. Whether you’re exploring Jewish life, coming with a friend, or simply curious, there’s a place for you here.

We invite you to unplug and fully embrace the peaceful spirit of Shabbat. Kindly silence or turn off cell phones and electronic devices and put them away. If needed, please step outside to use your phone.

Wearing a kippah (yarmulke) to cover one’s head for a service is a traditional sign of respect. Much like removing a hat in church or shoes in a mosque, it’s a gesture of reverence. This is a personal choice and open to worshipers of all ages and genders. Kippot are available outside the Proler Chapel and Barish Sanctuary.

We use the Mishkan T’filah prayer book, which includes prayers in Hebrew, English, and transliteration. These books are available on the large bookshelf on your left as you enter the Proler Chapel and are available at each seat in the Barish Sanctuary. Note that these books open from right to left, and also Hebrew reads from right to left. Please avoid placing the prayer book on the floor. It’s also helpful to our maintenance team if you’ll replace your book after services.

In Judaism, all worshippers are reading the same Torah portion each week. During a Shabbat service, a D’var Torah—a personal reflection on the weekly Torah portion—will be shared by the Rabbi, Cantor, or service leader. Teaching Torah is a meaningful expression of Jewish growth and connection.

Follow the prayer leader or those around you, as you are able. Here are a few notes on the choreography of our prayers:

• L’cha Dodi (final verse): Turn toward the sanctuary doors to symbolically welcome Shabbat like we would welcome a bride.
• Bar’chu (Call to Prayer): Bow at the word “Bar’chu” and “Baruch” (bless/blessed) and stand straight at “Adonai,” (God).
• Sh’ma: The Sh’ma proclaims the unity of God – the basic tenet of Judaism. It further declares the special relationship of God to the Jewish people: “Hear – or listen – Israel, the Eternal is our God, the Eternal is One.”
• Amidah: Literally “standing.” A chain of blessings during which we stand.
• Aleinu: A concluding prayer of the worship service that reiterates humankind’s responsibility to make the world a better place and expresses the desire to bring the world together in peace. We stand for this prayer, we bend when we say “va’anachnu kor’im,” (we bend), and we bow on “umishtachavim,” (and we bow) then stand up straight at “umodim” (we give thanks).
• Kaddish: The Mourners’ Prayer, for which the congregation stands.  Just before this prayer is recited, names are read aloud of the recently deceased and those whose anniversaries of their death (yahrzeit) falls this week.

• Candle Lighting: Symbolizes bringing peace and light into Shabbat.
• Kabbalat Shabbat: A series of psalms and the song L’cha Dodi to welcome Shabbat.
• Ma’ariv (Evening Service): Focuses on themes of creation, revelation, and redemption.
• Mi Shebeirach: A prayer for healing. Names of those in need of healing are read aloud.
• Music: Our services include joyful and meditative melodies, often accompanied by a pianist or our live band. Participation is encouraged! “Lai lai lai” or humming the melody is always an acceptable option!