Guidelines for Rental Use
of Temple Facilities
(Revised 6/21/06)

We are pleased that you have decided to hold your special event at Temple Shir Tikvah.
The following guidelines will assist you in planning your event.

It is strongly recommended that you read this guide even if you are not planning to hold your party at the Temple.

• Temple Shir Tikvah maintains a dairy kitchen. The kitchen is located on the first floor across from the Oneg Room. It is equipped with three ovens (a double oven and free-standing range) as well as a refrigerator, sink, garbage disposal, microwave, and dishwasher.
• Caterers are permitted to use the kitchen on a limited basis. It is recommended that any caterer that has not done a function at the Temple previously should visit the facility to view the size and location relative to the available work area. It is expected that caterers will work from a catering truck. If your event will have dairy or pareve food, (pareve food is neutral food such as fish or eggs that can be served with either dairy or meat) and you would like to use the kitchen, please contact your Function Manager or the FC.
• The Temple custodian is not responsible for cleaning the kitchen; this is the responsibility of the user. If you are given permission to use the kitchen for a dairy event, the kitchen must be left in the condition in which it was found. This includes removing all trash and washing countertops and the floor if necessary.
• Note that the temple's dumpster may not be used for trash disposal.
• Please contact the FC for more information.

• Pork and shellfish are not permitted at the Temple.
• Meat may be kosher or non-kosher.
• Milk products and meat must be served in different courses.
• Milk products and meat must not be cooked together.

• If you are planning to use a caterer for your event, we must know who your caterer is in advance. We require that every caterer provide us with a Certificate of Insurance documenting liquor liability and worker’s compensation. The Caterer’s Agreement, along with the above certificate and $100 caterer’s deposit, must be provided to the AD no later than 30 days prior to the date of the event. You are responsible for providing your caterer with the forms and ensuring that they are returned on time.
• Your caterer is responsible for removal and disposal of all trash. Use of the temple’s trash dumpster is prohibited.
• The user should make arrangements with the AD for the caterer to have access to the building prior to your event. (Please see custodial information below.) The caterer must leave the building within one hour after the conclusion of the event.
• If you are serving a plated meal (rather than a buffet) notify the custodian and/or the FC at least 10 days prior to the event.

• The custodian’s contract with the Temple states that he is to be present at the Temple one hour before an event and will leave one hour after an event. If you require additional custodial time you must arrange for such time with the AD. Note that you are responsible for compensating the Temple for additional hours at a rate of $60 per hour. You must inform the AD of your custodial needs no later than ten (10) days before your event. You can receive an estimate of custodial costs at that time. You will be billed following the event.
• The custodian will set up before and clean up after your event. The renter is responsible for all services hired by the renter (caterer, florist, etc) and must insure that the Temple is left in the condition it was found before the event. If the building is left in a condition requiring more than the usual custodial clean up time, the user will be billed for custodial overtime and/or for outside cleaning help.
• Many families wish to compensate the custodian with an “appreciation gratuity.” The Temple maintains no official policy on gratuities; it is left to the discretion of each family.

• 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.
• No lighted candles may be used in the Temple, except for Shabbat or Havdalah candles.
• Cotton candy machines, fog machines, popcorn machines, beach balls, glitter and any uses of water other than for drinking are prohibited inside the Temple building. If you are planning to have any unusual items or activities similar to those listed above you must receive written permission from the FC.
• Partitions will be set up in front of the Ark in the Sanctuary for all parties. This is both to protect the Ark and to separate the spiritual and religious nature of the Torahs from the festivity of a party.

• The Bar/Bat Mitzvah family is responsible for providing the Kiddush for the congregation following a morning service This must be provided even if you are planning to hold a reception outside the Temple. Please remember that families should have apple juice or grape juice available for children. If the latter is chosen, white grape juice is suggested, as it is readily distinguished from red wine.
• It is requested that children’s parties be held in the Oneg Room only.
• The practice of throwing candy is currently under discussion by the Ritual Committee. Please contact your Function Manager for details.
• Photographers may not take photographs during the service. A videographer may take videos provided he/she remains stationary throughout the service.
• The Temple Office may not be used during your function. There is a pay telephone available for your guests’ use.
• Smoking is prohibited at all times throughout the building.
• 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 caterers, florists, and/or other service providers deemed unacceptable on the basis of past performance.

• Parking is permitted in the parking lot adjacent to the Temple and on the street. There are a limited number of spaces in the Temple lot, which many families choose to reserve for elderly relatives and guests. 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, spaces may be available at the First Congregational Church in their Dix Street lot when its congregation is not using the church. This lot may not be reserved in advance. Call the AD Thursday before your event for information on the availability of the church lot and the number of spaces available; the church will not have this information before Thursday. Please be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances (funerals, etc.) the status of the church lot may change at the last minute. Please refer to the parking policy for more details.