Rabbi's Messages

Don't Ever Stop Talking During Services

on Sunday, 24 April 2016.

The old joke goes that there should be two sections of every synagogue sanctuary: “Talking” and “Non-Talking.”

Of course, “talking” is one of the most important functions of Jewish life. The synagogue is the place where we come together, get to know each other, and catch up on each other’s lives. In fact, that idea is built into the word “synagogue,” which is Greek for “gathering place,” and which is based on the ancient Hebrew בית כנסת (Beit K’nesset), which means the same thing. For as long as there have been synagogues – more than 2000 years - they have been the places where Jews have shared in the joys and sorrows of each other’s lives.

One of the greatest privileges of being a rabbi, as well, is being invited into people’s lives at those more emotional moments – times of loss and sickness, moments of transition and growth. Shabbat services are nice, but Jewish community is really found in the funerals and Shivas, the Brit ceremonies and aufrufs. The times of vulnerability when we get to be part of each other’s lives in extraordinary ways: to lead Shiva services, organize meals, plant trees, visit and call the sick, and send the occasional baby gift. Time after time, I hear from our members that these are the gestures that they appreciate most, and that connect them to the congregation. Long after we’ve forgotten what the rabbi said during his last sermon, we remember who led Shiva after our parent died, or that people reached out when we were sick.

Chesed (“Acts of Loving Kindness”) is the name that we give to the committee of our congregants who support our members during these times. In small ways and big ways, this very special group is changing lives and making our community stronger.

Will you help Kol Ami be its best self in the area of Chesed? There are two opportunities for your involvement:

• If you would like to be trained to lead services during Shiva, the Shiva Leader Training will be held Monday, May 30 at 8:30pm at the synagogue. You do NOT need to know Hebrew, and you can always lead a service with a partner. This is one of the greatest acts of kindness we can perform for each other.
•  Immediately beforehand - Monday, May 30 at 7:30pm- we will gather for a brainstorm session to build a Vision for Chesed at Kol Ami. We will talk about ways to better support our members and to involve more of the congregation. Your input is very valuable.

Please feel free to reach out to me for more information about either of these events, or about Chesed in general. You can also contact Eve Lipsyc, the new chair of our Chesed Committee.

L’shalom,
Rabbi Micah Streiffer