This morning we got up early for us for a Saturday. We got dressed and drove to Nashville and were actually so early that we got there before the Rabbi. (Does this qualify as a miracle?)
We went in to the Synagogue entrance, which had commemorative plaques on the walls to name the donors of various religious symbolic items. The members and Rabbi were all very welcoming and made sure we knew where to go for the worship service.
Before entering, we were each given head coverings to wear: black satin fashioned skull caps for the boys; lace circles with a bobby pin to hold it in place for the girls. We were also given a bible (with only the Old Testament, of course), another book that had the worship service(s) in it, written in both Hebrew and English, a booklet that gave some explanation of the service and how to use the books and a newsletter to tell of the goings on in their synagogue. Both the bible and worship service books read from right to left, but the page numbers read left to right. The children's eyes were as big as saucers as they tried to comprehend how to follow the books.
As we settled ourselves, I reminded the children that this was much like how Jesus would have worshiped when He was on earth. And that He was possibly even called upon to talk, as our guest speaker would be later in the service.
And, we were in for a treat: we came on the day they were celebrating the receiving of the Torah (Shavu'ot). We not only got to worship with them; We got to participate in a celebration with them.
It was fairly obvious we were visitors: All the members had very unique head coverings and prayer shawls. Some looked quite expensive; Others were simple. One gentleman's head covering was a soft pink, and matched his shirt. Several ladies' coverings were more like a circular piece of jewelry held in place by an attached hair comb.
It was explained to us that this Synagogue had both men and women participate in readings and such in the service. Therefore, both the men and the women were asked to wear the head coverings as a sign of respect. In fact, they pointed out that while the bible does instruct the men in doing most of the religious tasks and pilgrimages, it was probably mostly due to the fact that pregnant women and young children would be unable to meet the physical demands of pilgrimages.
The sanctuary was set up "in the round." The altar was in the middle of the room, and the seating was all around it. Stained glass windows were along all the walls with plaques of explanation and memorandum next to each pane.
At the back of the room, where one would expect to find the baptismal font in some churches, or the home for the Host in others, there was a sheer veil across an opening in the wall. Above, was the explanation that this was where the "Word of God" was held.
There were no musical instruments anywhere. But the Rabbi, when singing or chanting, would sway to a rhythm and keep time by patting his hand on the altar.
They began by greeting the congregation, which was still quite sparse at that time. Then they began with prayers. For the rest of the service, 99% of everything spoken or sung was in Hebrew. The books had English and Hebrew, but since we couldn't read the language, it was somewhat difficult to keep up. And there was no way to sing/chant along. We simply listened to the melodic chanting as the Rabbi, the Cantor or one of the congregants uttered the words that had been spoken for as long as there has been Judaism.
Though there was no musical instruments, the entire service was sung or chanted. Even congregants selected to come and read out of the Torah sang the words. It was like being enveloped in God's song.
Since it was the celebration of the receipt of the Torah, at a special point in the service, several congregants went to the veil in the back of the room and lifted it. They brought out their representation of the ancient scrolls and brought them out among the rest of the congregation. Many leaned close to touch them in reverence.
A gentleman was invited to speak on this festival, instead of having the Rabbi deliver the message. This gentleman was a recent convert to Judaism. He spoke (in English) of the importance of God giving the Torah to the Israelites. He reminded the congregation how they were indeed special and chosen, for God had offered the Torah to other nations, but none would take on the burden and responsibility that went along with the covenant.
As a Christian, it reminded me of how many don't want to accept Christ because they want to continue doing things their own way. I suppose all such grand gestures and blessings can be considered a curse if you are unwilling to put down your will.
The mood of the Synagogue was very casual, yet joyful. The Rabbi came around and visited a little with each member. People reached across the aisle to give hugs and whisper words of greeting. There was a constant movement of people coming in and out of the Sanctuary. But the prayers and songs and traditions kept going up at the altar.
Much of the chanting was very rapid, which we were unaccustomed to, since most of our hymns, prayers and readings are infused with pauses and silences, in order for us to really think about the moment. In comparison, their prayers and readings sounded more like a somewhat staccato version of when we say the Lord's Prayer. There was no less reverence. It was simply that they had heard and sung the words so many times, they were practically written on their hearts. The service served as a reminder and a time for them to worship together.
The service lasted two hours. By the end, the Sanctuary was completely filled.
There was another service immediately following the one we were in. That service was to remember those who had died. The Rabbi made mention (in English) that some of the congregants were more accustomed to celebrating this in private. He encouraged those who wished to stay, to do so, but gave permission for those who wished to go to leave.
As we left, a woman sitting behind us stopped me. She said, "Your children are so well behaved. It was a pleasure sitting behind you." Of course I beamed like the proud momma I was, and thanked her.
Afterwards, the children commented on how hard it was for them to understand. I reminded them that if they had grown up in the faith and its traditions, it would seem as common-place to them as our own church does to us now.
We also discovered that we found things in the Old Testament we never realized were there. As we had listened to them chant in Hebrew, we read along in English. I don't believe any of us had paid that much attention to Deuteronomy prior to that service.
What a rich heritage. What an honor to worship side-by-side with the Chosen People of God! What a blessing to share such a wonderful celebration with them!
Shabboat Shalom
West End Synagogue
is located at 3810 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37205
615) 269-4592 Tollfree (888) 335-8993
http://www.westendsyn.org/
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