From the Honorary President of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs

by Robert E. Braitman, M.D.

In the 1976 film "Network", news anchor Howard Beale (played by Peter Finch) created a sensation with his now famous line, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!”

I’ve been talking with many Conservative Jews recently about prayer and what they tell me essentially is “I’m bored to tears, and I am not going any more!” What has happened to the religious experience in our synagogues that has led to this state of affairs, and what can we do in response?

The prayer experience certainly has evolved over the centuries. During the time of the Temple, prayer was performed by the kohanim on our behalf; our role was to supply the sacrifices and then pretty much to stand aside and observe the ceremony. In the days before printed siddurim, I imagine that most “congregants” knew a few prayers by heart, but pretty much listened to prayer leaders and responded “amen.”

How do we experience kavanah, “prayer from the heart,” today? While we are stirred by the beautiful voice of a talented hazzan, still we yearn to participate actively.

The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs moved into action several years ago to address these dilemmas. Realizing that the inability to read Hebrew is a barrier to participation for many, FJMC created the Hebrew Literacy program now offered in some form in most communities around the continent.

Today’s Conservative Jew demands a prayer experience that is meaningful and participatory. Decoding the Hebrew text, though, isn’t enough. As president of the FJMC, I had the opportunity to daven in many communities and I have seen many styles of religious service.

Something is happening out there. “Alternative” services are being offered in an increasing number of synagogues. Many, if not most, of these experiences were started or are led by laymen and women. These services provide varying opportunities for participation.

Some use music to enhance the experience; some encourage congregants to get up and dance to express themselves in prayer. All are participatory and vital. Sadly, many of these wonderful groups are held in venues that are not part of our Conservative synagogues.

The FJMC and your local Men’s Club or Brotherhood stand ready to make these kinds of services happen in your synagogue. FJMC is dedicated to involving Jewish men in Jewish life and to providing a venue where the passionate voices of the laity can be heard in our communities and in the wider Jewish world.

Is the experience of prayer meaningful for you or are you so bored that you’re not going any more?

Does your community offer a place where prayer is participatory, vital, engaging, and passionate?

If not, why not? If not now, when?

For more information about the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, go to our website, www.fjmc.org.