ita

what is the acceptable dress code for woman in a Modern Orthodox synagogue? Are slacks acceptable?

nytraveler

In my neighborhood all the women wear nice dresses with heels - but you could contact the synagogue and ask.

AlexA

Ita, in any Orthodox synagogue, women wear dresses or skirts, not pants. Now will they throw you out? Probably not, but you might feel quite uncomfortable and definitely stand out.

Is this for a Saturday or holiday service, or some other event held in the synagogue?. There may be some wiggle room for a non-religious event. Also, if you feel comfortable naming the specific synagogue here, I might be able to add some more details. Some places are very dressy, some while following dress codes are more casual.
I hope this helps!

ita

Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun

DebitNM

I think alot has to do with why you will be at the synagogue. Here's a list of contacts, email and ask to find out for sure:

http://www.ckj.org/docs/SynagogueDirectory1.pdf

aliska

I don't live in NYC, but in my Conservative congregation, a woman even in a pants suit might be uncomfortable as majority of women will be in dresses or skirts. Additionally, in an Orthodox synagogue, a woman would want at least 3/4 length sleeves (if not full length) and a hat, scarf or some kind of head covering if she is married.

You don't mention what type of event - but I would call the synagogue. You don't want to be uncomfortable or more importantly offend. FYI - in extremely Orthodox you will not be allowed to attend if you have inappropriate attire. Definitely call.

Aduchamp1

What does modern Orthodox mean? Do the women still sit segregated from the men?

AlexA

Ita, I'm very familiar with that synagogue. It is definitely "Modern Orthodox"
If you are going for a religious service at KJ, wear a dress or a skirt. Sleeves need not be 3/4 long, but not sleeveless. If you are married, some headcovering but no one will ask your marital status, though they may offer you some kind of covering. Also, the congregation is on the affluent Upper East Side and trends to be on the dressy side.

If you are going for another event--a class or something like that, pants would be acceptable, but not for an event in the sanctuary. You would probably feel quite out of place, though not treated as unwelcome

rncheryl

Honest question: what is the religious meaning for forbidding women to wear pants?

abram

rnchryl, the idea is that women don't wear men's clothing.

ita, when I go to any Orthodox congrgation, I wear a skirt below my knees and a shirt below my elbows that also covers my collarbone.

nytraveler

In my neighborhood the dress is trendy, fashionable, expensive - and conservative. Women all wear dresses or suits with longer skirts and the top is usually long sleeve or there is a jacket. High heels (expensive and stylish) are typical.

Obviously this depends on the specific congregation - this is on the upper west side.

debsnj

I agree with the posters above with one exception - I think you would be perfectly fine wearing any nice shoes even flats, as someone who refuses to wear high heels, I have never felt uncomfortable in any synagogue.

ita

I don't want to turn a travel forum into a fashion discussion, but what's with the fancy high heel shoes? How does that relate to modest dress>

AlexA

Modest dress is one thing. Dressing up often has more to do with the people who attend a specific congregation, and their general style, so feel free to diverge from that
Actually, "dressing up", however you interpret that, is considered a sign of respect for the Sabbath or/ Holiday, so it isn't totally frivolous. It's just as you might dress up for a wedding or other special event, not required, but a nice thing to do.

jaimster916

What about shoes for High Holidays? Are open toed nice heels allowed in a conservative temple?

nytraveler

The above post was about orthodox. Conservative is a whole different thing - and will depend completely on the temple.

Which one are you going to?

jubilada

I have never experienced a conservative synagogue where you could not wear open toed heels.

AlexA

I agree with Jubilada. Not only will open toed shoes be a non-issue in a Conservative synagogue, in most you will also have more latitude in the clothes you wear. "Conservative" in this case means less conservative than a "Modern Orthodox" setting (where open toed shoes would also be fine 99% of the time)

Marginal

This is a two year-old threat. Chances are OP has already made her visit.

jubilada

But Jaimster916 asks a new question today.