Looking back at the hectic days of Tishrei it is heartening - and humbling - to note the crucial role played by our congregation in the Eugene Jewish community.
Frankly, I was concerned during our High Holiday services that some of the worshipers - a few in particular - might have felt alienated from what was to them an unfamiliar Hebrew service. Yet when I asked them if that was so, I was greeted with the warm and happy response of "Oh! It was wonderful! I wasn't bored, I was thrilled!" This from a woman who is just learning Hebrew. One man stated his satisfaction at having such "real religious content" in the services. For him, too, the traditional Hebrew prayers create an atmosphere of genuineness. Another, from the university, said that "it's overwhelming to realize that we are saying the same prayers here that are being said by Jews all over the world. That I can walk into a shul like this one anywhere in the world and fit right in - it's unbelievable!" I am delighted that we are able to offer these prayer services that are found to be so meaningful and authentic for so many.
Over the last couple of months, a few people have called the shul wanting to "touch base" with their Judaism. One fellow who called said that as a middle-aged baby-boomer, he realized that his knowledge of Judaism had not kept up with his other educational and professional achievements. While he described himself as having thought-out beliefs about Gd and mankind, he nevertheless wished to gain a more mature understanding of Jewish principles and Jewish life. He's now pursuing that knowledge through reading and ongoing discussions.
Similarly, a young lady who had recently spent a significant amount of time in Israel said simply, "I want you to teach me how to be Jewish." Isn't this what we are here for?!
The Minyan serves as a resource to the non-Jewish community as well. Recently a local pastor called to discuss the meaning of the Yovel, the jubilee year, in Jewish tradition. Before that, a professor doing research called to learn more about how the kabbalah informed Jewish thought and practice. More locally, Gary Glasser, who ran the lulav and esrog sale for the minyan, mentioned that 6 years ago, before the formation of the Minyan, he also ran the local lulav and esrog sale. He said that back then, about 6 or 7 sets were ordered. This year at the Minyan alone, nearly 30 sets were ordered.
All this, together with the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd for High Holiday services, the many students who join us for davening and classes, the extremely leibedig (joyously enthusiastic) dancing on Simchat Torah, the interesting and enjoyable classes for the children of the CJL, and the gratifying response to the Partners in Torah learning opportunity, vividly demonstrate the role that our shul plays in providing for the needs of the community. It's not always easy being the home for and voice of traditional Judaism, especially considering our relatively small size and somewhat limited resources. Nevertheless, it is our privilege and pleasure, our sacred duty, to promote authentic Jewish thought and practice. It is important for us to know how important that is for all.
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