FAQ

The Service

What time should I arrive at the service?
How long is it?

The Saturday morning Bat Mitzvah service starts promptly at 11 am. It should last around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What should I wear to the service?

We recommend business casual for the service. Please have shoulders covered in the sanctuary (a jacket or cardigan is fine!) Yarmulkes/kippot, or the skull caps traditionally worn by men, are not required, but welcome for anyone to wear — there are communal ones available outside the sanctuary. Tallit, or prayer shawls, are also welcome and available, but not required and are reserved for those who identify as Jewish.

Is my small child welcome?

Absolutely! They are welcome in the sanctuary and to even wander about a bit if they need, as long as they are not overly disruptive. If your child needs a break, we recommend the lobby which has children's books, or the playground outside.

Sadly, I can't attend! Will the service be livestreamed?

Yes! TBS will be livestreaming the service via Vimeo HERE on the day of, and a recording will be available after the fact.

I'm a friend of Evelyn's attending without a parent. How will I get to the reception?

We got you! Transportation will be provided between TBS and The Endicott House and will depart just following the service. Pick-up will be at Endicott House at 4:30 pm.

What if I don't know Hebrew?
How will I know what's going on?

Here's a great place to start: Highlights of the Shabbat Morning Synagogue Service. Temple Beth Shalom's services are in both Hebrew and English, but the majority of the prayers and the Torah readings are presented in Hebrew. However, the rabbi, cantor (a prayer leader who sings or chants liturgical music), and Bat Mitzvah participants will give guidance throughout. There are prayerbooks available with both Hebrew and English to follow along if you choose, and you are encouraged to hum or sing along with any songs or prayers you pick up along the way!

What kinds of gifts are traditional?

Monetary or charitable gifts in increments of $18,

Judaica, jewelry, or meaningful/personalized gift items would all be appropriate and appreciated!

The Reception

What time should I arrive at the reception?
How long is it?

The reception will follow the morning service. It is about a ten minute drive from TBS to MIT Endicott House. Transport will be provided for Evelyn's friends. We have the space starting at 1:00 pm; lunch service begins at 1:30pm.
The reception will wrap up at 5:00 pm.

Is MIT Endicott House and The Endicott Estate the same venue?

NO! While they are both beautiful facilities, we have reserved MIT Endicott House on 80 Haven St, Dedham, MA. Both properties were once owned by Henry Bradford Endicott, of the very successful Endicott Johnson Shoe Company. However, the mansion was bought by MIT, while the estate was willed to the Town of Dedham and is 2 miles away at the other end of town.

What kind of food will be served?

What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions? What if I keep kosher?

Lunch will be a summer barbecue, and will include regular and veggie burgers, hot dogs, bbq chicken, side salads, corn, and watermelon. If you have dietary restrictions, please include that information in your RSVP so we can do our best to accommodate. The Endicott House has an arrangement with a local kosher caterer and can provide kosher meals upon request.

Is the reception accessible?

The MIT Endicott House is handicap accessible and has an elevator from the main floor to the terrace level. There is also a lift from the terrace to the lawn. Not all garden paths may be paved.

What should I wear?

Think dressy-casual, colorful summery, and outdoor-friendly! Otherwise, it's up to you!

Will the entire reception be outside?

Lunch will be served on their large, covered terrace. Lawn games and DJ activities will be held on the lawn, weather permitting, and we will have some indoor space for photos and relaxation. Guests have access to the garden trails as well for exploring! In the event of inclement weather, we will bring the party inside.