Shana Tova! I hope you are greeting 5782 with a resounding “Hineni!”- here I am, ready to take on the New Year with enthusiasm and commitment.
In that spirit, I am writing about the future of the Wednesday Night Minyan. Because of my pandemic work schedule, (teaching on Zoom Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday from 7:30-9:30 PM) I am no longer available to lead the Wednesday night minyan. (Even if we changed Wednesday to another night of the week, all this Zoom time would not be good for my mental health!)
Rather than looking at this as a loss, it would be more productive to see it as an opportunity for change. There are so many possibilities for the minyan to continue: virtually, in-person either indoors or outdoors, at Shomrei or at different homes, having one new leader or a group of leaders who share the responsibility for davening or leading the service in any way you see fit.
I would be happy to “train” someone but really, the service can be any combination of Hebrew and English. It can be anything – as long as we view it as a sacred time where we pray and learn together, have the opportunity to say Kaddish, share news and check on each other’s well-being.
“The Little Minyan That Could” started in November, 2008, after my father, Mike Leventer, passed away. It was supposed to last one month but it has lasted 14 years. It has been an honor and a very humbling experience for me to invite people into our home and transform our living room into a holy space. I truly hope someone will say “Hineni” or “Hinei- Anachnu” so that this wonderful tradition can continue.
I may have led the service but the minyan was always a group effort. Thanks to John and Sarita and the office staff for taking care of publicity, and to the Rabbi for joining us and encouraging this grass-roots effort. Thanks to everyone who supported the minyan with their attendance. Finally, special thanks to Andy, who welcomed friends at the door, moved chairs back and forth and helped with any computer-related issues.
I can lead the service on Wed. October 6 at 7:30 PM. We can daven and then make time to discuss our options. If you would like to discuss this in advance of the minyan, please contact me at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
- A Swiss Shomrei Shabbat - Thu, Mar 14, 2024
- Remembering Josie Zeman z”l - Wed, Nov 8, 2023
- Eulogy for Yechiel - Thu, Apr 14, 2022