Synagogue Visit

Friday Night was another wonderful experience of the Holy Land. 20 of us were able to attend a synagogue in order to better understand Judaism. It was an orthodox synagogue, meaning that practices are still followed such as men and women sitting on separate sides of the room.

However, it was a more liberal orthodox setting, meaning that the sides of the room are equal in size (usually the men's side is bigger, because more men attend synagogue than women do. The inequality of the divide at the Western Wall is almost staggering the first time you see it - then when you visit in full, you realize it's actually adequate and necessary). Another liberal aspect is that the space designated for the prayer leader is in the direct middle of the room, rather being in the front and more focused on the men's side of the room. Also, one part of the meeting is designated for a child to lead, and a young girl led this prayer (with an astoundingly good voice, might I add).

The entire service was in Hebrew, making it difficult to follow. However, we had been given prayer books that have English translations, so as long as we managed to stay on the same page, we could understand what was taking place. Also, some customs had been explained to us previous to the start of the meeting. One of these was a point in the meeting when everyone stands up and turns to face the door (which is behind the congregation). This is a custom of 'greeting the bride,' which is considered the Sabbath Day (it is customarily accepted that the people of Israel are 'married' to the Sabbath Day). Our teacher, who took us to the synagogue, informed us that this is the most awkward part of the meeting to enter if you're late :) He has a wonderful sense of humor.

The majority of the meeting was made up of songs. They were all scripture set to music. There were no pianos or organs or any form of instruments though - playing an instrument might lead you to tuning it, which can technically be considered fixing something, which is considered to be breaking the Sabbath. It was all led by one person singing, and the congregation following. Sometimes they would be call response, but mostly it was united singing (indicating the congregation had the songs memorized, as there was no music in the prayer books), with the leader singing an occasional harmony or accompaniment.  It was beautiful.

At the end of the meeting, a member publicly invited all of us to their Shabbat meals. Unfortunately for us, we had not planned on this and were therefore not allowed to attend. Perhaps next week we can join them!

The members of the congregation all began their walks home. They walk, because driving a car is considered to be breaking the Sabbath. They also do not turn on lights (they leave lights turned on before the Sabbath begins at sun down), hit switches, write with pencils, and many other things. There are many laws not to be broken on the Sabbath. Incidentally, we walked for a block and got in our taxis to drive home...

I don't know whether or not I've mentioned the driving courtesy over here: there is none. It's frightening. I've been in many cars that have been cut off and had to slam on their breaks. Egypt was even worse: no one even observed lanes painted on the ground. No one. It must be taken into consideration though, that I think the drivers over here are some of the best in the world, because they are so skilled in avoiding accidents and continuing on as though nothing has happened. Egypt was much the same...I saw a family of seven on one...that's right...one motorcycle whilst we were in Cairo.

The point being, we almost got in an accident on the way home, but we've come to expect it, and we've come to completely trust all of our taxi drivers, though we often cannot communicate more than a few words.

Wonderful Friday night? I think yes.