A Wonderful Shabbat

Shabbat ended here in Jerusalem about 20 minutes ago. It was a wonderful Shabbat spent in prayer and relaxation.

As I speculated yesterday, I went to the Conservative services. This is about a slow 15-minute walk from the apartment and the weather was perfect for just such a walk. I had the opportunity to speak with some very nice people, including the Cantor, before services started.

I was surprised that the cantor remembered me since it had been a couple months since I was there last. Just after the early portion of the services started, the Cantor came over and asked me if I would like to lead the Shacharit service. I was astounded that she would ask me and I immediately accepted the honor.

I performed a combination of the melodies I have been doing for years and some of the brand new ones that I have learned. It felt terrific to be leading a service again as I had not done that since I arrived in Israel. To be doing so at the main Conservative synagogue in Jerusalem was truly an honor.

I was told afterward that my leadership was “beautiful and well received by the congregants”, which made me happy. These comments came from the Cantor, the Rabbi and several of the congregants. One of the congregants told me that “your performance was a hit”. He said that as soon as I started there were comments and buzzing trying to figure out who this new person was and what his background was.

After services I walked with one of the congregants towards the apartment. Taking a path that was between his apartment and mine, we went a completely different way than I was used to and wound up getting me to within 2 blocks of my apartment before we went our separate ways. He asked me to bring my phone number next time I went there and that I should plan on having lunch with him and his wife.

After lunch at my apartment, I went for a very long walk with my flat mate. We were out for well over 2 hours and put on several kilometers. This was followed by the obligatory Shabbat nap. When I got up I thought I had not slept, only to find that there were only 8 minutes of Shabbat left. I had been asleep for almost 2 hours!

It was a marvelous day and I look forward to doing it again very soon.