I am going to be perfectly frank. Religious services at Shomrei have never been my cup of tea. I was raised Presbyterian and converted to Judaism right before I got married. My husband Sam was raised in a conservative synagogue so we joined Shomrei because this is where he felt most comfortable. For me, I’m afraid, thoughts of services involve a lot of standing up and sitting down, and not knowing where we are in the book. I view those who smoothly daven along as an exotic species who have led a religious life far flung from my own.
But even though I find the services impenetrable, I get my spiritual satisfaction from Shomrei in other ways. I have been a MESH captain many times, try to volunteer as a Coordinator for IHN during both August and December, and give rides to Mensch Squad clients whenever my schedule permits.
I enjoy the camaraderie of being with other Shomrei members during these activities, and I am fulfilled by being able to give back to the Montclair community through IHN and MESH. The guests of both those programs often share more with my family than one would imagine, making me well aware that despite the huge gaps in our personal situations, in many ways we are similar. I have met IHN children who go to the same schools that my children did, and I have recognized MESH guests from other times in my life.
Driving for the Mensch Squad allows me to spend some time with fascinating Shomrei members like Toby Stein who I would not have the opportunity to hang with otherwise.
I admire the many dedicated Shomrei volunteers who contribute way more than their share of hours towards our community, and always (well, almost) in a positive, uncomplaining way. There is a lot to be gained personally by pitching in with your fellow congregants to make others’ lives better.
- MESH Report Nov 12, 2019 - Thu, Nov 14, 2019
- MESH Report Oct 15, 2019 - Wed, Oct 16, 2019
- MESH Report 5/7/19 - Thu, May 9, 2019