Hidden Heroes

Maya Berezovsky
University of Minnesota
Assistant Editor
KOACH-on-Campus

As a child attending Hebrew School, I was told stories of ancient Jewish heroes. I sat, my chest puffed up with pride, hearing about the brave warriors, brilliant thinkers and strong leaders filling out my family tree—at least in the extended version.

Three years ago I spent two months in Israel, learning about my people who once stood on the same territory, fighting for and eventually proclaiming victory for the Jewish people. I learned about dozens of Jewish heroes who lost their lives protecting their homeland. Other heroes I was told about spent much of their time building Israel into the beauty it is today.

At Shabbat services, I hear Divrei Torah about gallant men and women to whom serving God was first priority. These men and women are heroes.

But while the lives of these Jewish heroes are indeed awesome (in the literal sense of the word), I can travel fifteen minutes, two times each day to find modern-day Jewish heroes.

My mind immediately fills with admiration for the dedicated group of Jews who attend the morning minyan every day at my synagogue.

Every day at 7:30 a.m., "the regulars" are there, rain or shine, whether there is a hint of sun or whether it’s still essentially night outdoors, to either say Mourner’s Kaddish or support their friends who will. Harvey K., one of the most regular of all the regulars, started coming to daily minyan after his sister died. That was seven years ago and he still comes every day, no matter how much it’s snowing or how cozy under the comforter he feels. He says it gives him peace to help others who need, like he needed. The other regulars come for the same reason.

There isn’t always a yahrzeit (anniversary of the date of someone’s death) to be remembered. The regulars still come. For the camaraderie, they say. Although they act like saints, they are human beings, after all, each of whom adds his or her pizzazz—not yawns—to the early morning service. All the regulars would agree there are some hilarious characters in the group. Sheldon L., for one, entertains the group with jokes, outrageous political comments or critiques of gender roles. He continues his stand-up routine and gibing over bagels and juice after the service, to which the whole group responds, "Oy, Sheldon!"

My mom became a regular when she began coming daily as the synagogue president four years ago. After my grandpa died two years ago, my dad started coming to fill his dad’s spot at the minyan. When I am home from school, I go with my parents to the minyan and hope along with the rest that there will be ten so someone can say kaddish. I am always filled with the utmost admiration for the members who help make ten every day. These people have such great love for their friends, Judaism, God, and their deceased friends and family, that they make this incredible commitment.

I will try to follow in the footsteps of my Jewish heroes who put their dedication to Israel at the top of their priority list.

I vow to perpetuate Judaism and be a strong leader in any Jewish community in which I find myself.

Most of all, I plan to put my love and dedication to my friends in need of support first, before I think of myself or sleeping late. One who believes and works for a noble cause is a hero. I will try to emulate my Jewish heroes. If we all try to continue the work they started, our Jewish world will be that much more beautiful. I think it’s safe to say we have our work cut out for us.

[Posted 12/29/04]