Tag Archives: davening

Kaddish Is Magic

Among the most ridiculous things I see in Orthodox shuls are the fights over the right to various honors such as aliyot (call to the Torah), davening for the congregation, or reciting the Torah or Haftorah portion. I see rabbis … Continue reading

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Child Labor At Shul

Joe writes: "Every Orthodox shul hires teenage boys from local day schools like YULA to work childcare on Shabbat morning.  Don’t they have to daven as well?  What message are local rabbis sending to teenage boys that it is better … Continue reading

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A Bad Smell

Disconsolate, listless, pathetic davening. For this I converted? I feel like we’re all davening under water. My lips and throat and arms feel heavy. I can barely move. I can’t be bothered to greet anybody and nobody can be bothered … Continue reading

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What Kind Of Moral Qualifications Do You Need To Lead Prayers At An Orthodox Shul?

Is it ok to have someone lead davening who desecrates the Sabbath? What about someone out of the closet and leading a gay life? Does the davener just need to have long pants (in America) and know the prayers? What … Continue reading

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JConnectLA Friday Night

Workmen’s Circle. 6:20 p.m. I’m the second person to arrive. It’s my first Shabbat in over eight years without my black undertaker suit. Instead I’m wearing this striped ill-fitting number I got for $20 from the Jewish thrift store on … Continue reading

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