Several years ago I had the occasion to meet a member of our government who was assisting me with something. As we were parting I thanked him for his help and the gentleman, who was not Jewish, said to me, “Rabbi, next time you talk to Him, mention me.” Of course I agreed, and I prayed for his welfare at the next time for davening (prayer) that day.
As I thought about his request I began to wonder how many Jews think of prayer services as an opportunity to “talk to Him.” I started considering how lucky we were that we have this amazing opportunity to have a personal relationship with Hashem. Not only that, He gives us specific times that He actually welcomes and awaits our “conversation with Him.” Indeed Judaism designates three times for prayer each day. Imagine if we viewed these prayer times as a chance to have a one-on-one up close and personal chat with Hashem.
Of course G-d hears the prayers of anyone who calls to Him, but we Jews have been told that the door is open three times a day for a guaranteed conversation. If only we saw “davening” for what it is, and not as a burden to get over with each day, or to be relegated to a weekly obligation, or to be disregarded entirely.
In a similar vein, I have been thinking about the place that a daily Minyan is supposed to occupy in a Jewish community. In addition to giving a venue for this special chance to talk to Hashem, it gives us the added ability to do so as a group. There are parts of the service that can only be recited with a Minyan. There is a Jew from NY that visits New Orleans regularly on business. Praying with a Minyan is so central to his day, that he calls in advance of each trip to ensure that his flight itinerary will be conducive to Minyan attendance. He will not schedule a meeting if it prevents him from praying with a Minyan. I admire his commitment but it makes me ashamed of the struggles we have in New Orleans to maintain our daily Minyan.
It is hard to believe that in a community of thousands it is often a struggle to get ten men in the morning or evening to come to Shul for their “conversation with Him.” I hope that sharing these thoughts will inspire a resurgence of Minyan attendance. We are looking for a “few good men” to come to Chabad Uptown in the morning or Chabad Metairie in the evening. If you would like to learn more about Minyan schedules and consider committing to attend on one or two days a week, I would welcome the chance to hear from you.
The Talmud speaks of the verse “I called but there was no answer” to be referring to G-d peeking in on a Shul at Minyan time but there is nobody there. Please help us ensure that New Orleans does not become such a place. Seize the chance to “talk to Him” at His place while He awaits your visit.
Mark your calendars on Thursday, Feb 2 @ 7 PM @ Chabad Metairie for “One Community – 36 Years,” celebrating 36 years of Chabad in Louisiana. The event features dinner and a talk by Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon of CA, along with a special presentation by several members of the New Orleans Jewish community. More information will be forthcoming in the next few days. If you would like to rsvp or sponsor this event from $36 to $360 – please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Mazel Tov to Stephen Blitz and Mery Beit-Halahmi upon their engagement. We wish them all the best for a very happy life together as the build a new branch of the Jewish nation.
Mazel Tov to Toby and Nadiv Kehaty upon the upshernish (3rd birthday haircut) of their son, Zalman Yuda.
Mazel Tov to Sarah and Zav Attias upon the upshernish (3rd birthday haircut) of their son, Ezra.
Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Benny Naghi upon the birth of their son in Israel.
Mazel Tov to Ahava and Eitan Lang upon the birth of their daughter, Meira.
May they all have much nachas from their children as they raise them to Torah, chupah and good deeds.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin