Point / Counter Point

On this page, Rabbi Cohen sounds off on a monthly basis on interesting developments that impact the Jewish community. Rabbi Cohen will present both sides of an issue to stimulate thought and conversation. People are invited to submit suggestions for the Rabbi to address in future Point / Counterpoint discussions. This page will also feature a book recommendation to stimulate thought and introspection. Please feel free to email topics / books of interest to Rabbi Cohen at cohen.dovid@gmail.com .

"The Role of a Shul on The Upper West Side of Manhattan"

Point: 

I hear it all the time. “Rabbi-this is a transient community.”  People are only passing through and don’t feel committed to investing time, energy or money in a temporary situation.  The shul is a place to visit on shabbos, socialize with friends, hopefully hear a decent drasha and enjoy some hot food.  I’m over-committed at work and elsewhere, cost of living is exorbitant and it’s inappropriate to expect more from me than a shabbos appearance.  The best thing about this community is all the choices. I can hit OZ Friday night and visit the Jewish Center and Young Israel on shabbos morning.  I may even go to a shteibel on occasion.  I will go wherever the place to be is on any given shabbos.  The role of shuls on the upper west side is to service my social, educational and intellectual needs.

Counter Point: 

Despite the transience, maybe a shul on the upper west side can be transformative.  Pardon the trivial parallel, but many of us grew up with a “teen minyan” in our shuls.  We were afforded the opportunity to “practice” davening and prepare ourselves for integration into the “grown-up” minyan.  A west side shul can and should be an opportunity for us to mature as young adults and prepare to transition and become integral components of the future communities that we may join. Why not take a leadership role in the shul?  Why not initiate a special chesed project or donate significantly - both with our time and money?  This “temporary” few years is a marvelous opportunity to deepen our concern for others, learn what it means to be part of a community and think beyond ourselves.  The role of shuls on the upper west side is to prepare us to more effectively contribute to a community that we may reside in more permanently.

August Book Selection: "Golfing with God"- A Novel of Heaven and Earth by Roland Merullo

Next Article: "A Debate on Jewish Values"