Drilling a Hole Beneath Our Own Seat
December 20, 2007
A recent article in The New York Times (November 28, 2007) noted the recent growth of independent, lay-led services and gatherings, particularly by young Jews in their 20’s and 30’s, which are taking the place of synagogue life for many of the participants. The article, titled, “Challenging Tradition: Young Jews Worship on Their Own Terms”, described the phenomenon that is appearing across the country:
“In places like Atlanta; Brookline, Mass.; Chico, Calif.; and Manhattan [New York], the minyanim have shrugged off what many participants see as the passive, rabbi-led worship of their parents’ generation to join services led by their peers, with music sung by all, and where the full Hebrew liturgy and full inclusion of men and women, gay or straight, seem to be equal priorities. Members of the minyanim are looking for ‘redemptive, transformative experiences that give rhythm to their days and weeks and give meaning to their lives…’”
Perhaps many would be surprised to learn that my response to the article and to the trend it describes has been mixed, and certainly far from enthusiastically positive. Unquestionably, I applaud the fact that so many Jewish men and women today are seeking new, creative avenues for expressing a vibrant, religious practice. And of course, much of what these young people are seeking is very much in line with the direction of our own congregation, particularly when it comes to inclusive, participatory, and accessible worship and music.
But I am troubled by the “privatization” of such religious gatherings. For while they may certainly fill the needs of the individual participants, they do little to build community, and offer nothing to Jews who may be on the “outside” of these assemblies.
Far too often, I hear members, non-members, and former Temple members alike speak of their synagogue dues contribution in many of the same terms as more properly apply to a yacht or country club, or even a JCC – measuring the value of their donation by their hours of “usage.” They forget that supporting the institution of the synagogue may begin with one’s own, religious needs, but that can never be the end, or even the primary motivation.
Do you believe that all Jews, regardless of financial wherewithal, should have the opportunity to participate in Jewish study and worship? Do you value interfaith cooperation between leaders and laity of different communities of faith? Do you want to feel assured that Jewish men, women, and children have a foundation of support in time of crisis, comfort in time of sorrow, and the provisions to celebrate the joyous occasions in their lives? Only through the institution of the synagogue can these ideals be brought into practice. That’s what you “get” from your synagogue membership — nothing less than realization of these core values – even if your own attendance and participation are marginal.
The problem of abandoning one’s communal obligations and focusing simply on one’s own situation and needs is addressed and illustrated in an ancient Midrash. According to the text, a number of people were floating in a small boat out at sea. All of a sudden, one of the men began to drill a hole under his seat. When the people complain, he answers, “What complaint do you have? After all, I’m drilling the hole under my own seat!” One of the companions answers him, “We are all in the same boat. The hole may be under your seat, but the water that comes in will make the boat sink with all of us in it.” (Leviticus Rabbah 4:6)
So, then, let us continue to seek innovative and inspirational forms of worship and study that will engage our generation and the next, but let us build and create for the entire community, not only for ourselves.
