Rabbi Blog

Dear QJC Family,

Before I explain “what” I am asking for regarding daily minyan, I want to share the “why” of this letter.

Shul is important in various ways to different people. People might attribute their connection to a shul for a range of reasons that include connection to a Jewish community, a place to build social relationships, a place to celebrate Shabbos, a place to learn, and, of course, a place to daven. The reason one belongs to and comes to a shul would dictate when they come.

I embrace all of those different aspects of shul. Yet, the more frequent the presence in shul, the stronger the shul is. The maintenance of daily minyanim is therefore essential to a shul’s vitality. This is in line with what I believe about Judaism in general - while the big moments are impactful, it is the daily and consistent commitments we make to Avodat Hashem that truly deepen and entrench that connection. While the pinnacle of the year in the Beit Hamikdash was the Kohein Gadol’s entrance into the Kodesh Kodashim, it was the sacrifice of the morning lamb and the evening lamb that truly kept the worship of the Beit Hamikdash grounded.

As the clock changes and we begin to approach a new season and a new davening schedule, I wanted to take the opportunity to attempt a new initiative to sustain our daily minyan. This initiative is called “Jewry Duty.”

Just as members of a community make a financial commitment that ensures the sustainability of a shul, one can also sustain our shul by making the commitment of time to participate in the daily minyan. While realistically, not everyone can come every day, we can best ensure we will have a minyan every day by ensuring regular and advance commitments. We are asking all men who are able to volunteer to sign up for at least one minyan a week.

It is understood that many people cannot make this commitment right now because of precautions related to COVID-19. This is actually one reason why we need extra commitments! Some of our regular attendees are not able to come, so we especially need the help of those who are able to come.

Please click here and fill out this form if there is even one minyan a week you are able to commit to attending!

While women are invited and encouraged to attend, there is no need to fill out this form in order to do so.

Please feel free to pass this along to anyone who you know who may be interested.

Beyedidut,

Judah Kerbel
Rabbi, Queens Jewish Center