CDT Customs
General Customs
CDT generally practices Ashkenazi minhag, but all forms and levels of observance are welcome and celebrated.
Keeping the Main Sanctuary "unplugged"
We ask that participants silence phones and other electronic devices while in the main sanctuary area, and also refrain from writing.
Yom Kippur Traditions
Kol Nidre, the evening service at the beginning of Yom Kippur, is the one evening service during the year at which we wear a tallit (prayer shawl). You are invited to bring your tallit to this service, or use one which we will provide.
It is traditional to dress entirely in white or light-colored clothing during Yom Kippur (this tradition is based on our becoming like angels on this day, and the Biblical story of Daniel tells of his viewing an angel dressed in white robes, which we emulate). It is also traditional to extend kindness to animals on this day by refraining from wearing leather, especially leather shoes. We invite you to join us in honoring one or both of these traditions.
Greetings
We are a diverse and inclusive community, with members who have a variety of relationships to eating, drinking, and fasting on Yom Kippur. We ask that you please keep this in mind before wishing someone an easy fast. For a guide to greeting one another, please see our "Welcoming One Another" document.
