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Ta'anit Dibbur
In recent weeks we have been witness to
devastating images of burning synagogues in Gaza, flooded synagogues
in New Orleans -- and perhaps soon, although we hope not, in the
Houston area as well. This is surely cause for mourning, for the
synagogue is the backbone of any Kehilla Kedosha, a holy Jewish
community. This destruction is therefore emblematic of the loss of
Torah and kedusha in the world.
In light of these tragic events, both in Gush Katif and in the
American South, the Orthodox Union is calling on all of its member
synagogues across the United States and Canada to participate in a
Shabbat program for the purpose of giving increased emphasis to the
holiness of our shuls. We ask you to institute a Ta'anit Dibbur - a
period free of conversation - during the morning davening of the
last Shabbat of the year 5765, Parshat Nitzavim, October 1, 2005.
We ask all those attending shul that Shabbat morning to refrain from
conversation while inside the sanctuary. This includes even
halachically sanctioned speech, such as divrei Torah between aliyot
of the Torah reading (bein gavra l'gavra). This is only for
conversation inside the actual sanctuary; those who need to talk for
whatever reason are asked to leave the sanctuary and communicate
outside the shul.
Even Yasher Koach and Good Shabbos should be replaced with a
handshake, a smile or both.
While our beloved synagogues are already mekomot kedoshim, holy
places, it is our prayer and hope that if we can further sanctify
our shuls, we can bring Divine mercy upon our respective synagogues
and communities. In the process, of course, we thereby prepare
ourselves for the intense spirituality of Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat
Shuvah, and then, Yom Kippur.
The Orthodox Union has made available a beautiful pamphlet,
“Appropriate and Respectful Behavior in Shul,” with halachic sources
on decorum in the synagogue. With a photo of a magnificent synagogue
in Hungary, and its inscription over the Aron Kodesh of “Dah Lifnei
Mi Ata Omeid – “Know Before Whom You Are Standing” -- it conveys the
message we must keep in mind every time we come to shul. This
message will be particularly important on Shabbat Nitzavim.
As our sages tell us, "Hakol holech achar ha'chitum" - "The last one
makes all the difference." As Parshat Nitzavim is the last Shabbat
of the year, we pray that our efforts will bring on new-found
rachamim and a goodly judgment for the New Year, 5766.
Appropriate and
Respectful Behavior in Shul
www.ou.org |
