On a spectrum from Reform to Orthodox

I come from on or below the Reform line. Services included minimal prayers in Hebrew, mostly because there was no expectation for those who did not know it to learn. Over time more and more prayers are said only in English while here in Israel, I wanted to experience “hard-core” Shabbat services, so I accompanied Rabbi and some other students to the Rabbi’s Rabbi’s synagogue. I went in knowing all of the service would be in Hebrew so I would be lost for most of the time. Even this couldn’t stop me.

We arrived and I still was not sure what to expect and also a little nervous. Upon entering, we split from the men and went to our respective sides. Sitting in the back, and being just the right height, allowed me to catch glimpses of what the men were doing, which I found fascinating. Honestly, the women were boring comparatively. The men were so intense during the service while praying it was just boggling my mind. Nothing I had ever seen before. I rarely turned the page but felt more involved in the service than ever before at my temple at home. The service included a sermon, which Stephanie whispered at the beginning to us. The Rabbi thanked us for coming and visiting Israel at this time of tumoil. At Saturday morning services Rabbi helped me out by showing me the page we were up to and then sitting me up with the Rabbi’s daughter to help keep me on track with the rest of the service. Like any other service I have been to, some of the prayers were sung. These prayers were so powerful it is hard to describe the feeling I got sitting there listening.

My experiences here in Israel have been amazing and unreal. The sense of community is great. I can’t wait to come back!

~Naomi