Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Congregation Toras Chaim Orthodox Minyan / Shul / Synagogue FAQ: A Place To Get Your Questions Answered
QUESTIONS
- Who are we?
- Are only Orthodox people welcome at our services?
- What is our contact information? Where are we located?
- When are the minyanim (prayer services)?
- Who are the CTC gabbaim (people in charge of running the minyan)?
- What should I do if I want to come visit and daven (pray) with the minyan one day?
- What happens on Shabbos?
- What do I do if I want to sponsor Kiddush or Shalosh Seudos?
- I’m going to be visiting CTC, and I need a place to stay for Shabbas. Whom should I call?
- Are there any Torah learning (shiurim) opportunities available?
- Is there a posek (rabbi who answers halachic questions) available?
- Can I give money for tzedaka (donation)?
- Where are members of the congregation from?
ANSWERS
- Who are we? Congregation Toras Chaim consists of Far North Dallas community members—families and individuals—who come together regularly for prayer, study and performance of traditional ritual practice. The minyan is the core of this vibrant shul. Members attend regularly to pray, learn, or eat and often stay to schmooze. A common thread that runs through all attendees is their desire to incorporate Jewish tradition and practice into their daily living. – Back to Top –
- Are only Orthodox people welcome at our services? Though the Minyan adheres to the set of laws and customs popularly known as “Orthodox halacha,” we welcome anyone who wants to attend our services with open arms and without judgment. You will find that we are actually quite friendly here at Congregation Toras Chaim! In fact, there are many attendees who do not personally consider themselves Orthodox. – Back to Top –
- What is our contact information? Where are we located? Congregation Toras Chaim | Rabbi Yaakov Rich | 7119 Bremerton Ct., Dallas, TX 75252 | (972) 835-6016
[email protected] | www.toraschaimdallas.org – Back to Top – - When are the minyanim (prayer services)?
a. Weekday Shacharis: 6:40 AM / 6:25 AM (Rosh Chodesh and Public Fast Days)
b. Sunday Shacharis: 8:00 AM
c. Mincha / Maariv: 15 minutes before sunset
d. Friday Night Mincha is at candlelighting time. During the summer we make an early Shabbos at 7:00 PM.
e. Shabbos Morning: 8:30 AM
f. Shabbos Minchah: ¾ hour before sunset – Back to Top – - Who are the CTC gabbaim (people in charge of running the minyan)? David Wiseman is our Gabbai Rishon. – Back to Top –
- What should I do if I want to visit and daven (pray) with the minyan one day? Feel free; we would be glad to have you! There is no need to let anyone know before coming to visit the shul. – Back to Top –
- What happens on Shabbos? We gather in shul for all of the Shabbos services. Shabbos morning davening is followed by a delicious meat and vegetarian chulent Kiddush with all the trimmings. Members eat the Shabbos meals with other members and friends and/or family members. We have a hospitality committee in charge of finding places for visitors to eat their Shabbos meals. There are classes for men and women Shabbos afternoon and Shalosh Seudos is eaten together, as a congregation, in the shul. – Back to Top –
- What do I do if I want to sponsor Kiddush or Shalosh Seudos? Please contact Rabbi Yaakov Rich at (972) 835-6016. – Back to Top –
- I’m going to be visiting CTC, and I need a place to stay for Shabbos. Whom should I call? Contact Rabbi Yaakov Rich at (972) 835-6016. – Back to Top –
- Are there any Torah learning (shiurim) opportunities available? Please see our Events Calendar for the latest schedule of learning opportunities and amazing upcoming events at Congregation Toras Chaim. – Back to Top –
- Is there a posek (rabbi who answers halachic questions) available? Please call Rabbi Yaakov Rich at (972) 835-6016 or email at [email protected]. Rabbi Rich is the rabbi of Congregation Toras Chaim, and your contact person for halachic and educational questions. – Back to Top –
- Can I give money for tzedaka (donation)? Yes. Definitely. Please visit http://www.toraschaimdallas.org/donate/ to make a donation online. – Back to Top –
- Where are members of the congregation from? All over. We have Americans, Canadians, Israelis, South Americans, and Britons. The only thing we have very few of are native Texans! – Back to Top –


