Our first week of February started off with being invited to go to a Jewish synagogue for their weekly "Shabbat Shalom". This meeting took place at the B'Nai Jeshurun Synagogue and was almost all read in Hebrew. There was a very good Cantor (his/her responsiblity is to lead out in singing
with the Rabbi's direction, adding Harmony to the simple texts and in our case, accompanient was also provided. We know "very limited" Hebrew so it was mostly "listening" on our part. But it was so interesting!! There was a nice group of about 15 of us and we were even recognized and announced by the Rabbi. At one part in the Service, I know it has a name, but I can't think of it right now, it is where those who are there for the first time are invited to come down in front and are given a small metal cup of grape juice and then invited to "toast" those around them as the Rabbi reads the special prayer for this part of the service. We truly felt very special as they announced that some members of "
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" were joining them that night.
The Synagogue was lovely with it's stained glass windows and beautifully decorated with more
stained glass surrounding the pulpit. The meeting lasted for about1.5 hours and then we went to this lovely home (apartment) of Marlene and Murray Altman to share in their observance of the Shabbat or Sabbath.
We all gathered where the table was all made ready for them to begin the Shabbat (Sabbath) in their home. Mrs Altman began by lighting the 2 special candles. She called them "Shabbat candles-"--posted in beautiful candlesticks. This is always the woman's or wife's duty, she explained to us.
And then we were each given a small drink of grape juice (those who were there that were not of our faith--were offered white sacramental wine (Manischewitz wine). This we toasted and then drank following the prayer. Special bread, called Challah bread (egg bread) was sliced and passed to us all. There were other treats and good things--several cheeses and crackers, fruit and other very good things were on the table(s)--one in the kitchen and the other in the formal dining room for our tasting pleasure. Mrs Altman had really gone "all out" for us and was a very gracious hostess. Some of the Altman's Jewish friends were there also, so we enjoyed visiting, asking questions and trying to feel "at ease" (that's for me!) amidst such a diverse group. As you can see in these pictures, the men were asked to wear the traditional head covering-- the kippah or yarmulke (in Yiddish) out of reverence for this home. They were also issued one to wear upon entering the synagogue earlier. There seem to be different Jewish synagogues in the Upper East end of Manhattan (where we live) and several private Jewish schools for the children in this area. Our "exposure" to these learning experiences about the Jewish people and the Hebrew language is facilitated almost entirely by our Public Affairs Missionary couple, Mark and Susan Dransfield, who also happen to be our next-door neighbors here in our NewYork assignment!! And we love them dearly--you talk about "into something exciting and pretty "high profile" all the time--that defines this extraordinary couple to a tee!! They are always meeting with Consuls, Consul-Generals and Ambassadors from all over the world. Yet, they are so "down-to-earth" and easy to be with at any given time!! We are truly blessed by their friendship!!
Elder Mumford has a few thoughts to add to this Post:
We were warmly welcomed and treated with kindness and love as individuals and as a group. They were not trying to proselytize, only to expose us to their ways, rites and come together in joint good. It seemed to me this was their "sacrament meeting". It is held every Saturday begging sundown Friday to sundown the next day. It lasted a bit over an hour. (I need to interject here that there are are a large number of sysnagogues and congregations, and each can select what parts of Jewish teachings and practices to follow. This congregation was not at all orthodox - families sat together; one of their Rabbis is a lady, their dress and practices are more comfortable from strict Judaism. Nor was it a liberal/reformed group. Even guests were asked to wear and respect the head covering for men.)
This particular service emphasized Jewish singing - beautiful, melancholy, reflective tunes, maybe a little what would be felt around a warm unhurried camp-fire. And these have been sung by congregants when they were children and when their parents and grandparents were children. Most all singing is done while standing, and sometimes swaying arm in arm. If a Jew were to be away from this experience and return, I can see how they could feel that they have come home.
The singing was all in Hebrew, though our books had the translation - often quotes from the torah - first 5 books of the Old Testament. Our worship largely focused on peace, brotherhood, remembering - release from bondage, blessings and fearing/worshipping the Lord.
The Rabbi's message took 20-25 minutes. It was in English. And it centered on how hard the first 14
days of the Trump administration had been, and the importance of including all, and not
discrimination against any religion or person or preferenc.
I came away thinking how grateful I am for the Savior and for true fullness doctrine, and for the atonement and the restoration, and for teachings from the Spirit. And for good people everywhere who do their best to share love and peace.
Just inside BJ Synagogue
L to R: E & S Mumford, Mark Dransfield, E & S Adams,
Mr Altman getting ready to bless the Shabbat
E Mumford and Stephanie Sokol
Chatting with Jeanne Hogg and Stephanie Sokol
In the Altman home
Shabbat Shalom!! What a great experience for us!!
