We had an “anniversary” Minyan this past Monday, marking the 4th year of the minyan in its present incarnation. We put out the word that Rabbi Fuchs would give a brief dvar torah during the service and everyone should bring a supper for a communal meal afterwards. Dad and I supplied the desserts and the sparkling cider. Well, we had 30 people and it was a lovely occasion. Rabbi Fuchs’ attendance (almost always when he’s in the synagogue) has been a wonderful boost for the minyan.
We keep hearing that Beth Israel is one of the few Reform synagogues (in the country!) to have a daily minyan.
At the Rabbis’ request we are now going to put all the people we’ve “trained” to lead the service (about 10) into a pool of people who will go to homes to lead a shiva service for bereaved families who want such a service on the second-third nights after burial. The rabbis always do the first night. I know this is standard operating procedure for Conservative and Orthodox congregations and it’s certainly time for Reform Jews to be more observant of the rituals for death and mourning. All of this is spiritually very meaningful for me.