It Takes a Minyan

Nick Levitin

In life, there are certain things that cannot be done alone. In Judaism, there are certain prayers that cannot be said alone. Kaddish is one of them – it takes a minyan. At Shomrei there are currently three regularly scheduled opportunities to say Kaddish: the services we have Friday night, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning.

To ensure that we always have ten people for the Sunday Morning Minyan, Linda Ariel will begin collecting names of those who would like to be called upon, or scheduled, to attend the Sunday morning minyan.

When a minyan is not reached, as has happened on Sunday mornings from time to time, those who show up to say Kaddish cannot do so. It can be a disappointing experience to say the least. On the other hand, to be able to say Kaddish for a loved who recently passed away, or for whom you are observing Yahrzeit, is one that can be deeply satisfying.

We at Shomrei, would like to be able to promise that the Sunday Morning Minyan can be counted on to have a quorum. If we are short of people, it is usually only by one or two.

If each member of Shomrei volunteered to attend the Sunday Morning Minyan at least twice a year, we would be able to guarantee that Kaddish could always be said.

Please let Linda know (Lindaariel@gmail) when you will be available to participate. In addition to your annual financial contribution to Shomrei, you will be making a meaningful spiritual one as well.

To begin a new week after Shabbat with a mitzvah, is something that not only makes a difference in the lives of others, it can make a difference in your own life as well.

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2 thoughts on “It Takes a Minyan

  1. Thank you, Natalie. The truth is I can’t make it happen on my own. It’s going to require something from each of us. My hope is that people will respond. The minyan is something very special. Having one is an important part of any sacred community. It is there for us to participate in and to support.

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