Feiler's Files

I often think the same thing…  but interestingly, at the anonymous megashul you were referring to, it is interesting to see how much the congregants have embraced the staff… and vice versa.  There is one particular maintenance man (we will call him W) who stands outside the door of the sanctuary and shakes people’s hands as they come out.  He always has a cheerful word and a broad smile.  He clearly feels close to the congregants and I know they feel close to him.  So maybe, while it is natural when one has customs that are “different” than the greater society to worry what we look like…  and it is important to know we are representatives of our people…  one should not worry too much.  Those maintenence people and other observers have their own groups and their own customs that they might be a bit self conscious about.  While being self conscious, we should also be proud at the nice relationship we have with these observers.  I love seeing people chatting and greeting W and the security people at the door etc.  ....  I am with you until near the end of your piece… but I would not agree that “it went wrong.”  We are a vibrant community with people of all stripes… and we get together as a community for sacred and non sacred purposes… and I’ll bet those that observe us “get it.”