Visiting Temple House of Israel (THOI) for the First Time?
If you are planning to visit THOI or attend services for the first time, we are delighted to welcome you. The following information will help you feel more comfortable during your visit.
What is THOI’s Street Address?
THOI’s Street Address is: 15 North Market St, Staunton, VA 24401-4349
When are Shabbat Services Held?
Shabbat evening services are held on the first Friday night of each month, beginning at 7:00 PM. After Friday night services, we invite you to enjoy refreshments and conversation at the Oneg Shabbat in the Social Hall. Shabbat morning services, with Torah Reading, are held once a month at 10:00 AM on the third Saturday morning of every month. Please note that during the month of July, THOI does not hold services.
Does the Temple host other programs and events?
Yes, indeed! We hold in-person holiday services and celebrations, special congregational dinners along with regular Adult Education, Torah Study, and Book Club offered virtually. Please check our THOI website for the calendar of events- and sign up for our weekly newsletter- at: https://thoi.org
Where can I park?
The Hardy Parking Lot (1 North Market Street) is next to THOI and usually has spaces available for Friday Shabbat Evening and Saturday Shabbat Morning Services. Parking is free after 5:00 PM on Fridays and all weekend. There is metered parking available during weekdays.
For High Holy Day Services and other special events held on weekdays, we usually have a limited number of free, reserved parking spaces in the Hardy Lot available. Parking is also offered, both free and metered, nearby on East Frederick Street. For reference, here are some other parking options: https://www.ci.staunton.va.us/residents/parking
NOTE: Between April to October, the main street downtown (Beverley Street), is blocked off on weekends to make it pedestrian-friendly beginning on Friday afternoons at 4:00 PM.
What is the best entrance?
Please use the accessible side entrance by the Hardy Parking Lot, which has a secure entryway. Our front doors are only open on special occasions.
Is it possible to get a tour of the synagogue?
If you would like to tour our historic Temple building before- or after- Shabbat services- or on another day, please send a request to: [email protected]
Can I meet and talk with the Rabbi?
Rabbi Nagel welcomes the opportunity to welcome visitors and guests at Shabbat Services and other THOI programs and activities – a perfect time for a brief introduction and conversation.
What should I wear?
We tend to dress relaxed and informally for Shabbat Services and other activities, but please wear whatever attire that you feel most comfortable in- anything for jeans to jackets for men, or slacks and skirts for women. For High Holy Day Services and other special occasions, the attire may be a bit more formal. Kippot and tallit are available for those who wish to wear them.
What Prayerbook does THOI use?
We use the Mishkan T’Filah Reform prayer book for Shabbat and High Holy Day Services. We also have a Torah Commentary in each pew for our Torah reading Services.
When did THOI congregation become established?
To learn more about the history of THOI and the Jewish presence in Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley, please check out this article from our Temple Historian, Ruth Chodrow: https://thoi.org/history/
Questions?
If you have any additional questions before your visit, please don’t hesitate to please send an email to: [email protected]