the 10th man (or woman)
Rabbi is in Florida, and the Cantor is running services at the synagogue.
at 8 PM my phone rang - I am in the Cantor's speed dial - he needed me for a minyan (a quorum) for evening services. mourners cannot say Kaddish unless there are ten adults present.
it wasn't so very long ago - in my lifetime - that women did not count in the minyan.
it was my honor and my obligation to be number 10 tonight.
at 8 PM my phone rang - I am in the Cantor's speed dial - he needed me for a minyan (a quorum) for evening services. mourners cannot say Kaddish unless there are ten adults present.
it wasn't so very long ago - in my lifetime - that women did not count in the minyan.
it was my honor and my obligation to be number 10 tonight.
Wow. How long has it been since women have been able to participate in the Minyan? I remember reading an article about one of the ballparks (Camden Yards?) creating a place for MEN to have prayers during double headers.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, the rituals and culture of your religion have always fascinated me. How cool that women can join in what once was denied.
The Reform have counted women since the 70's. the onservative...my temple became egalitarian about 10-15 years ago. the Orthodox...still won't count us.
ReplyDelete