One of the basics of Judaism is order. Sequence, repetition, tradition, getting it “right” the first time. Our Passover Seder adopts “order” as its name. The past several parshayot describe the sequence and order of performing animal sacrifices that have not been performed in nearly 2000 years (be sure to drip the animal’s blood on the altar seven times – not six). In Leyning, the Ivrit must be pronounced correctly, and hopefully sung with the correct Trope. We speak of the “life cycle events” that proceed ineluctably through our lives (Bris/Naming, Four Questions, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Weddings, Anniversaries, Burial, Shiva, etc.), and continue to proceed over the generations, L’Dor v Dor.

 

There is a sense of quiet security in observing this sequence, and a comfort and spiritual uplift that comes with the orderly tradition. Hashem is present in the process – in the years of continuity – rather than merely in the moments of stress and anxiety. Our tradition is not about moments of rapture, but about the abiding joy secured by gentle, harmonious repetition. So we have this preoccupation (some say obsession) with sequence and order ingrained in our culture, and take it seriously. And for some of us, the orderly repetition provides tranquility and an opportunity for introspection, thought and insight. We join together as a community to achieve just that.

 

In becoming a Gabbai for our Library Minyan, I stepped behind the curtain to help stage manage our Shabbat and Yom Tov services. Truth be told, tranquility and introspection do not occur very often on the days we serve as Gabbai, but when the service proceeds seamlessly and is managed by someone else. But there isn’t always someone else to do the managing. And we each need to step up to make our services flow smoothly, and with beauty and meaning.

 

As Gabbai, I secure the daveners, coordinate with those who assign the Drash, the Torah readers, Haftorah reciters, Greeters, Simchah Coordinators and all those who make our services happen. When I announce my name and that “I am honored to have served as your Gabbai today,” I mean that sincerely. The best Library Minyan Service is the one where we remember the beauty of the davening, the new ideas expressed in the Drash and the quality of the kiddush – not the one where someone didn’t show up or dropped the ball (and hopefully, not the Sefer Torah). The only way to transcend the repetitive, mechanical aspects of our service is for those aspects to proceed seamlessly, without attention or notice. Which is why I serve.

 

— Howard Fredman

 

The Library Minyan extends grateful thanks to the five rabbis who accepted the Education Committee’s invitation to “Teach a Text you Love and Why you Love It” over the past four months:

• Rabbi Rachel Adler on the classroom of Rabbi Akiva in Menachot 29b,
• Rabbi Adam Kligfeld on differing responses to destruction: the nexus of ego and faith in Sotah 49b & Makkot 24a-b,
• Rabbi Gordon Bernat-Kunin on the art of caring criticism in Arachin 16b,
• Rabbi Ari Lucas on the case for and against humanity in B’reishit Rabbah 8:5,
• Rabbi Hillary Chorny on the whispered Amidah in B’rachot 31a & b.

May they go from strength to strength, and may the learning continue!

 

— Rachel Green

 

enthusiastic TBA team. Go to la.walktoendgenocide.org and click REGISTER, then follow directions to sign on with Team Temple Beth Am.  Keep in mind that it’s not just a Walk — it’s a celebration of our community of conscience.  Also, it’s a great family activity and lots of fun.

 

 

— Team Temple Beth Am

Please help the Library Minyan find a new name for the Diaspora Potluck (DPL) Committee. We know many of you have enjoyed the Shabbat and Sukkot potlucks, the Melaveh Malkahs and Shavuot picnics.

Mishna study 9:20

Tefillot begin 9:45

Temple Beth Am

Dorff-Nelson Chapel

1039 S. La Cienega Blvd, 90035