Advantages of a small synagogue.

Oct. 18th, 2008

There are some disadvantages to a small congregation, such as not having a rabbi, and barely being able to cover expenses, but there are some good points too.

Ours is one of only two synagogues in the state, having about 30 members, and services happen maybe 1-2 times a month. Today was the first Saturday service they'd had about 2 years, led by a member of the congregation I'll call Victor, because that is his name. Besides Victor, there were 5 people in attendance. One was me, who's barely getting started in Judaism, and two others were boys age 6 and 11.

Today, Victor explained, we hit the Trifecta, observing three holidays at once (since we meet so seldom). We did a bit for Sukkot, and for Shemini Atzeret, then for Simchat Torah Victor pointed out the advantage of a small congregation. Everybody, even the Goy (me), came up to the bimah, and everyone had a Torah scroll to carry. There were a couple small scrolls (1920 vintage) for the youngsters, and there was even one left over. When it came time to read from Genesis two more people had arrived, so everyone got to read a day of creation. (Is it standard practice for a non-Jew to carry a Torah scroll?)

After the service, we retired to the Sukkah a block away at Victor's house, everyone fit inside, and took turns shaking the Lulav and Etrog.

I think I got more out of today's service than the other 5 I've attended, in large part because Victor explained just about everything we were doing. And I was able to take an active part, rather than just tying to mumble along in my non-existant Hebrew.

That's all. Just felt like sharing. (Hebrew lessons start next week.)