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:

I started going to the morning minyan on Sundays. It was easy on a Sunday, and I live quite close to the synagogue. Praying with others in the chapel is very comforting; it’s much more intimate than the sanctuary, and very different to praying at home on your own. Then I went during the week once, someone needed a minyan to say Kaddish; that’s a nice thing to do. The whole experience was very rewarding. I got to talking to some of the other members and realized I liked feeling part of a community. It was only a short step from there to go on a week day, without a reason, just because it feels good.
So now i go on a week day; I like to go at least once a week, its a great way to start my day, I often get too caught up in my work and this helps me get my priorities right, and I feel more centered through the day.
Some days there are just two of us plus the Rabbi, I’m sure there are days when its just the Rabbi, so we could do with some more people.
I think we’re lucky that the Rabbi and few regulars make the effort and time to keep the space. Its something Jewish people have been doing for thousands of years, and I like to do it because I can be part of that tradition too. In the past it has not always been easy for Jews to pray as Jews , and so it’s important to continue that tradition, not just for myself but also to carry it on into the future.
Hope I see you there one day
Irvin