So, you know?.... what’s happening?
No, really, what’s going on, you know, underneath it all?
I mean, I look around at the people at the new West Ashley Minyan, and I wander what’s going on in their minds.
I am not a mind-reader, of course, but puzzling things out, getting to understand things at a very basic level, that is something ....... well, enlightening.
To quote a song most of you won’t know: "Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if you look at it right...." (Hunter - Scarlet Begonias) Life is full of such moments, if you keep your heart open for them......
I am not a reader of minds, though for a living, I read images, and fit them to patterns of other data, and come to conclusions. Sometimes a fresh mind is better than a trained one, then again, experience can get you to the core of a problem in a way that you have to see to believe. Recurring patterns are everywhere, and sometimes you have to pick up on a little clue here and there, and then have the ability to decipher the larger order.... And not just on X-rays.... but in people's actions....
So, what is going on?
Sure, many of those who attend these services did so initially as an angry reaction to the vote at BSBI in Jan ‘06. I was as angry as many others, but with time, anger subsides. In other words, wanting to go to, and continuing to go to these services, has to have other incentives. Indeed, without a rabbi present most times, there must, indeed, be something more....... So, what can these incentives be?
A bunch are obvious, if you have been to just one of these services - the atmosphere is relaxed, and warm, the spirit is spontaneous and palpable. You don’t come back if it isn’t fun..... And then there is the sense of community - people of all ages, many who were not frequent-shul-goers, are suddenly inspired to attend like regulars. You know this is all connecting where it needs to.... And if a rabbi, better, if the rabbi, were there, the effects would be greatly multiplied.
Then, there are new faces - some come out of curiosity, some because they have been waiting for something new to take form in this corner of the South East, and the status quo didn’t offer it.....
For me, riding to shul always undercuts any potential spiritual experience I may get at shul, before getting back in the car, and driving home. Whereas, walking to shul, especially in great weather, is one inspiration following another. Is that hard to understand?
I think this works on many other levels for all of us at these services - we enjoy going, we get to participate more actively, follow the Torah reading more closely, and hear the Haftarah more melodically. Some have taken up challenges they would previously have shied away from - preparing a Davar Torah, or preparing a Haftarah. Everyone counts, their presence is noted, the kids get together to bring services to a close. And altogether, we know we are not just taking care of our needs that day, but that what we are doing is an investment in the future. An investment for us, for our children, and for the Jewish community at large.
(Hillel) used to say: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am for myself (only), what am I? And if not now, when? (Ethics of the Fathers Chap 1:14, p549 in Artscroll Siddur - and on the web among many sources
Link to Jewish virtual library online)
In other words, each of us has a duty to take care of ourselves and our spiritual needs, but to do so with a view beyond just ourselves. And if there is something important to do, don’t delay.....
The engine at the heart of the new West Ashley Minyan is the need for personal growth and change, but its repercussions extend far beyond the individuals involved.
L'Chayim,
Peter R
1 comment:
To me, the sense of community is the driving force that keeps me going to the WA Minyan. You're right; anger was probably the motivating force for many of us, in the beginning. But something positive has been created from the situation that created the need for our Minyan.
Nina
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