The time for the morning service was changed to 7:45 so that more undergrads could come. I still arrived 10 minutes late, which goes to prove my lateness has nothing to do with the service being too early. It is an inner clock deficiency.
I have to recount a discomforting event. Last Friday, having skipped morning services, I decided to make up by going to Minchah and Maariv. Services were at Hillel. I arrived promptly at 8pm. Thunderstorms were breaking up the afternoon. It was hot and humid. The rain, a blessing. I was wearing shorts and a shirt, as usual. As I entered the third floor space I immediately realized my mistake. Everyone was dressed up. Two of the guys I knew from the morning services were there. I liked neither. Something about their faces. They both looked like they were smelling shit all the time. One of them just had had a baby. In any case, the blond one was in a suit, the other one wore long black pants and a white shirt. They looked at me with contempt and ... proceeded to ignore me. OK, I was under-dressed, but hey, it was a mistake. My first time there. What schmocks!!! Well, the service went on, itvwas lovely. Voices raised in unison, un-rehearsed. The women's voices provided a sweet counterpoint, weaving in and out tour melody. Others came by, greeted me. I thought maybe I could pass unnoticed. But lo and behold I was the ONLY one saying Kaddish. The two redeemed themselves by guiding me and indicating when it was my turn to say Kaddish. As soon as the service ended, I slipped out. Hopefully unnoticed!.... not
No comments:
Post a Comment