ב"ה
LONG ISLAND LODGE No. 1353, B'NAI B'RITH
P.O. BOX 51, WOODMERE , NY 11598-0051
516-374-2958Mobile
516-374-2958
18 Shevat 5772 February 11, 2011
New Orthodox Minyan Adds to Seasonal Optimism
Mitosis is a well-known scientific process during which a cell divides to produce two others, identical but differing in size. Similarly, the Jewish community of the Five Towns has witnessed a mushrooming of smaller learning and prayer groups that were once part of gargantuan units. Moreover, it is a special zahut, merit, in one's life to have added the mitzvah of having played a role in establishing a new congregation. Thus, it was not a total surprise to learn that several friends in North Woodmere, aged 40-something, and older, organized an Orthodox quorum, meeting at the Shalhevet High School premises located within the Conservative Temple Hillel (1000 Rosedale Road); a wonderful collaboration of, by, and for Jews that begs emulation in editorial offices.
Thus, this Shabbat Parasha Yitro, amid snow flurries and the expectation of spring, days after celebrating Tu B'Shvat, the New Year of Trees, a new sap in the religious firmament took effect with worship commencing precisely at 9:00 AM. Entering the makeshift sanctuary, soon filled to capacity, as was the women's section, I was quickly enveloped in the warmth of well-known dynamic leaders: Scott Goldberg (former District 14 school board candidate, of Metropolitan Refunds, 516-889-6664 x 111); the highly-respected Harold Feldman (aliyah Shlishi); Rabbi Nahum Marcus (Trustee of District 15 school board, who intoned the Torah portion with accuracy, rapidity, and verve); Eliot Jacobowitz (chanting the prophetic piece in the Haftara); Ira Lillien, of AAPCO Paper & Plastic Corporation, 516-608-9200); Dr. Shaya Speiser (leading the morning chants), among several more volunteers, all public-spirited. My evident pleasure to be with them was further enhanced when I was called Revee, fourth, to the Torah, and, later to recite the communal Kiddush!
If the aim of this inaugural exercise was to demonstrate a "minyan which hopes to be a respectful, warm, inspirational, and spiritually uplifting option for individuals and families, and a valuable asset to all those in the community," success in all these dimensions have been achieved! Divisive forces in our community, particularly the increasingly sectarian and partisan local press, would do well to reflect on the multi-messages contained in a post-liturgical D'var Torah, word of the Law, competently explicated by the aforementioned Eliot Jacobowitz, a lay leader extraordinaire, who encouraged other congregants to take turns presenting future comments.
It is very instructive, for example, that Yitro, born a non-Hebrew, indeed, he was a High Priest of Median, who has the rare honor of a Torah-section named for him. Famously, he is the father of Zipporah, who marries Moshe the Law-giver, a man who eventually converts, following a penetrating period of inquisitiveness, and even advises his son-in-law on administrative matters --- how to efficiently, and effectively dispense justice to his contentious tribes whom Moses leads. Foremost, it is important to value not whence one has come, but what a person has become; Yitro, already was a man of honor, possessed of derech eretz, way of the land, road, proper conduct while a pagan; he is the more highly-regarded for stepping into his new role without shedding his basic humanity, compassion, tolerance, and diversity.
Eliot concluded with the optimistic note that today's proceedings can be viewed from the prism of football's analogy, for, this is the kickoff that will eventually culminate in the Festival of Shavuot, the giving of the 10 Commandments on the dwarf Mt. Sinai: in two weeks there is the New Moon for the Hebrew Month of Adar; fourteen days later, Purim is in the offing, followed by the Month of Nissan, during which middle comes Pesach, then, Lag B'Omer. Let us rejoice of the totality of our existence, accept each other's differences lovingly; be affirmatively inclusive in print, and actively reaching out to those outside our orbit of operation. We congratulate the newest kehilla, congregation, in our midst, happy to recommend that we join the available email list by sending our individual kudos for their collective growth and prosperity as follows: OrthodoxMinyanAtHillel@gmail.com. Shavua tov, semana buena, καλη εβδομαδα, a good week!
Sincerely, and with fraternal affection,
Asher
Prof. Asher J. Matathias, President
*Nice! S.S., Woodmere , NY
**Thank you. Gary F., Teaneck , NJ
*I couldn't agree with the analysis of Yitro. Do you think that by advising Moses on the delegation of responsibility Yotro was thinking about how Moses would be able to give more time to his daughter and grandchildren? J.N., Cedarhurst , NY
**Asher, I am so glad we spoke this past week and that you joined us for, what will hopefully be, the beginning of a Minyan that will benefit many people and Temple Hillel. I am going to do my best to see you for the Observance of Holocaust of Greek Jewry by the Greek Consul-General. I will speak with you during the week prior to Wednesday. Thank you again for joining us. Scott Goldberg, North Woodmere , NY
*So the fact that the intent of the founders of this Minyan's is to destroy Congregation Ohr Torah doesn't bother you? C.M., North Woodmere
**How wonderful that Temple Hillel Woodmere , NY
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