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Northern Virginia Hebrew
Congregation by Lynne Borneman |
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I visited the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation on Saturday November 2, 2002 for the 10:30 Shabbat service. I was very nervous and not really sure what to expect. I parked and entered the building trying to do what everyone else was doing. People where gathering in the lobby, waiting for the door to the sanctuary to open. I picked up a copy of the bulletin and was relieved to see that today was a Bat Mitzvah. This meant there would many newcomers to the synagogue and I did not feel as out of place as when I first arrived. As I entered the sanctuary for the service I was welcomed and handed a prayer book, a Siddur. The prayer book had both English and Hebrew writing and was backwards, that is to say the front of the book was in the back. The sanctuary was a small room. There were about eight rows and they were all facing forward. In front of the room was a slightly raised platform with two lecterns and chairs. I looked around the room noticing the people. As a sign of reverence all the men and some of the women were wearing yarmulkes. Some of the men had on fringed prayer shawls. The Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation is a Reformed synagogue. The Rabbi is female. She was wearing what looked to be doctorate robes. She stood in front at one of the lecterns and welcomed everyone. At the other lectern was a gentleman, also in a robe, wearing a prayer shawl. This gentleman was a cantor. He led the congregation in prayer by singing (without music) and chanting. I found this to be very different and pleasing to hear. Most of the service involved the participation of the entire congregation. I liked the fact that the service contained a lot of group prayer, both in English and in Hebrew. It helped make me feel part of the service. I think just about the entire service was in the form of prayer. Everyone prayed to God for the Torah, for souls, for his blessings. After about ½ an hour of prayer, big doors against the wall in the center of the platform were opened. Behind the door was several Torah scrolls wrapped in red velvet. Even as a stranger I could tell this was an important place of honor. The Rabbi had Allison, the Bat Mitzvah girl, her parent and grandparents come up onto the platform. She spoke of the great responsibility the Torah was to the Jewish people. She spoke of how the Torah has been handed down throughout the ages, and now from her grandparents to her parents to her. It was very emotional and I could feel myself getting choked-up. This part of the service was very ceremonious. They removed the scroll from its place and there was a procession around the room with the Torah, which allowed everyone to touch it. I could feel the pride and respect the congregation had for the Torah. All remained standing as the Torah was uncovered. Allison read from the Torah in Hebrew, the story of Sarah from the Book of Genesis. The Torah was then recovered and replaced in its spot behind the doors. The Rabbi then gave the English translation and a talked about it's meaning. After the Torah reading there was another reading. More prayer followed the reading. The service ended pretty much as it began, very unceremoniously. Everyone moved out into the lobby. The atmosphere was very celebratory. Most people congratulated Allison, her parents and her grandparents. I am not sure if there is always a small reception after the services or if this week was unique because of the Bat Mitzvah. I learned, from talking to some of the folks in the lobby, that the reading of the Torah is the highlight of the Shabbat service. The door that opened revealing the place where the Torah was kept, was a symbolic Ark. I was told that the Torah is a reminder that God's presence is always with us. I learned that the Shabbat begins Friday night at sundown and is a day of prayer, rest and family. I found the service to be thoughtful and respectful. I could feel the congregations reverence for God and the Torah. I could feel the years of tradition. |
| Created by Laura Ellen Shulman |
Last updated: November 2002
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