I actually started davening (attending minyan services) regularly at my first pulpit, Temple of Aaron, St. Paul MN, back in the mid seventies. I found that getting together with fellow daveners bracketed my day in a unique way. The ideas expressed through the prayers covered the spectrum of emotions from “thanks” to “hope” to “seeking” Divine help. Ever since that time, I’ve tried to support a daily minyan at every shul I’ve served.
Before I even arrived in Santa Rosa, I had heard from my colleague in St. Louis, Rabbi Mark Fasman, that he had wanted to attend a Conservative minyan in the Bay Area to honor his father who had just passed away. There was simply none to be found. So I made a personal commitment at the time, that if I was fortunate enough to serve a pulpit in this area, I would try to create an opportunity for anyone who wished, to be able to attend a minyan and say Kaddish.
About a year ago, I was able to start a regular morning service, Monday through Friday. I made a personal commitment that were I fortunate enough for my position at Beth Ami to become full-time, I would round out the day with a daily evening service (Sunday through Thursday).
I would love to provide a resource for our community and an opportunity for anyone who wants, to be able to stop by on any given day and spend some time meditating in holy space, (in the presence of a Sefer Torah).
Sunday through Thursday, we start at 6:00 p.m.in the Chapel, and services take about 20 to 30 minutes
Know that you will be most welcome any time you choose to come and join us.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Mordecai Miller
A guest essay by Irvin Klein: