Temple Shir Tikvah

The following guidelines are meant to assist you when using the temple building. If you have any questions please contact the House Committee or Temple Administrator

Scheduling: All temple facilities must be reserved in advance and events must be scheduled with the Temple Administrator. This includes committee meetings. To avoid possible confusion, meetings and events will be scheduled by completing the Building Usage Request Form and returning the form to the Administrator at least 10 days prior to the meeting or event. The Administrator will confirm by email. The Administrator will book an appropriate room for the meeting/event, based on the number of attendees. The Administrator must be notified if the meeting/event is canceled or rescheduled. Committee members are responsible for set-up and clean up. If the assistance of a custodian is needed, this must be arranged in advance with the Temple Administrator.

Keys: If you will need access to the building outside of regular business hours you must fill out a temporary key application and receive a temporary access code to the alarm system. The Temple Administrator will provide you with these in addition to providing instruction in use of the alarm system. (It is important to receive proper training in use of the alarm system as the Temple Board has mandated that the cost of false alarms may be the responsibility of the person determined to have set off the alarm.) Keys must be returned after the event/meeting.

Sanctuary/Function Room: The temple sanctuary seats 150-170. When used as a function room it accommodates 90 people seated. We have nine 72-inch round tables which seat 10 per table There is space for buffet tables when all 9 round tables are used. Note that if all 9 tables are used there is no room for musicians/DJ or dancing.

Oneg Room: This room accommodates 70 standing. It can be divided into 3 smaller rooms for meetings or smaller functions.

Kitchen: The ritual committee and board of directors have formulated guidelines for use of the kitchen. The kitchen will be dairy only and is not available for use by caterers. All temple-sponsored events, prepared in the kitchen or potluck, should be dairy or fish. The temple custodian is not responsible for cleaning the kitchen; this is the responsibility of the user. Please refer to the kitchen policies on the website www.shir-tikvah.org.

Food Restrictions: Meat of any kind is not permitted in the temple. Shellfish also is not permitted.

Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol is permitted but should be served in moderation. Alcohol may only be served to persons over 21 years of age. A one-day liquor permit must be obtained from the Town of Winchester. Contact Winchester Town Hall at (781) 721-7133. It is not necessary to obtain a liquor permit for kiddush wine as this is considered sacramental wine.

General Rules: As with any organization, it is necessary to have rules to simplify use of the building. Your cooperation is appreciated.

No nails, tacks, screws, tape, or other means of fastening are to be driven into or placed in contact with any surface including walls, windows, floors and furniture.
If needed, the temple custodian will set up before, and clean up after your event. Please let the Temple Administrator know if you will need custodial assistance. If the building is left is a condition requiring more than the usual custodial clean up, the user will be charged a fee for custodial overtime and/or outside cleaning service help.
Flowers and decorations must be removed after the event.
No lighted candles may be used in the temple, except for Shabbat or Havdalah candles.
The Function Coordinator or House Committee Chair must approve any unusual activities involving the temple building. For example, fog machines, cotton candy makers, beach balls, glitter, and any uses of water other than for drinking are not permitted.
The temple office may not be used during your function. There is a pay telephone available.
Smoking is prohibited at all times throughout the building.
Parking is permitted in the parking lot adjacent to the temple building and on the street. Please be considerate of our neighbors and do not park on Vine Street. Parking is allowed in a designated portion of the lot at the Winchester Savings Bank on Main Street. Please enter the parking lot, proceed to the rear of the lot, and park in the annex area to the right. Parking is also available on Main Street. Please note that many parking spaces have time restrictions, and the Winchester Police will ticket all violators. In addition, 5-6 spaces are available at the First Congregational Church parking lot, on the Dix Street side when its congregation is not using the church.
No equipment is to be removed from the temple at any time.
The applicant or organization using the temple facilities is responsible for any loss, breakage, or damage to equipment and/or property.
Aisles and exit doors must be kept clear. Chairs, decorations, and flowers may not block aisles or exit doors or violate fire laws.
Temple Shir Tikvah is not responsible for any loss or injuries to any person or their guests using the temple facilities.
Temple Shir Tikvah reserves the right to refuse the use of service providers deemed unacceptable on the basis of past performance.

**Remember to reserve space well in advance of your event and allow time for the event to be published in the temple newsletter**