cellio | leading services

One aspect of Jewish life that really appeals to me -- and this should come as no surprise to anyone reading this -- is leading worship services. I realize that's probably the fun 5% of a rabbi's job, but it's also something lay people can do. When someone comes up to me after I've led a service and tells me that I helped him connect with God or reach a higher level of kavanah, that just makes my whole day. It's not primarily about the ego-stroking, actually; I am not by inclination a good "helping person" on a one-on-one basis, having failed to acquire many of the basic social skills, but this seems to be something where I can make a difference for people other than me. That's not the only reason, of course -- it makes me feel good too -- but it's something interesting I noticed.

So today I asked my rabbi -- admitting up front that I am asking for something big -- if it would be possible for me to have some role in some Friday-night services. He rightly pointed out that there are matters of process here; we need to have a broader discussion about the role of lay people in that service in general, and then we can see what shakes out. He recognizes that I am both skilled and passionate, but it's not about me, at least not now.

So I've asked the new chair of the worship committee to add this to the agenda for our next meeting, and we'll go from there. I won't have an answer soon, but with some luck maybe I'll be able to do something in the fall. We'll see.