It’s More Than What’s in the Prayer Book
For those of us who go to services, many things make them worthwhile. I have been to Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Chasidic services. I served as a gabai for many years in an Orthodox shul. Side note: someone once asked my mom, after we returned from a trip to Israel, how did that increase your observance level? Her answer: I have thought about it more. But my son is better. That is, unless the Red Sox are in town playing the Yankees or Depeche Mode will be performing at the Garden. I’d toss in The Cure. We all have our vices. Sometimes, we just can’t get enough. But if we try, it’ll be just like heaven.
So, what makes a service great? Obviously, the Torah readings on Shabbat, Mondays, Thursdays, and Yamim Tovim. There’s a certain pride and joy when the doors of the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) are opened, and the Torah is removed. For some, there’s joy each morning in donning the tallit and wrapping tefillin.
It’s even better when the person leading the services has a decent voice and can carry a tune. Same with the baal koreh, the person who chants the Torah reading. Some of us get to the temple a little earlier to get a head start on praying and catching up with friends.
What makes it even better is when the rabbi is personable, greets everyone when they arrive, and asks how you and your family are. They are often the ones who can answer your Torah questions or discuss in depth the meanings behind the parsha (weekly reading), how it relates to today, and whether today’s world was foreseen when certain parshas were written.
A good rabbi knows that the services need to go at a proper pace. We don’t want it rushed. But we do not want it to go on and on. After all, there is usually great food, whether in the temple or at home afterward. The rabbi knows when to pause during services and when to speed up. Most important is that the rabbi understands their audience.
Most temples, no matter their minhagim (customs or traditions), have people from different financial, educational, professional, and religious backgrounds. It makes the service all the better when an explanation of the parsha and how it relates to today’s world and what we’ve learned from it over the years rings true to the majority of the congregants. Nothing will satisfy everyone. But even those who don’t necessarily agree with the sermon will start thinking about what was said.
The rabbi and shul leaders also know who might need a little extra help following the service, getting around the venue, or dealing with issues like a sick relative, work problems, and other challenges. I remember some rabbis and leaders who would arrive a few minutes early, greet everyone individually, and check in to make sure they were doing okay. These same people often called congregants during the week to see how they were doing and whether they needed help.
One thing to remember: the rabbi, while playing an instrumental role, doesn’t make the service. The participants are just as important. Many help lead the service and contribute their own thoughts and perspectives. Ultimately, it’s about the experience, the people, and what you take home with you, and whether you want to come back.
