Article in The Times of Israel by Andy Blumenthal: As Jews, we are supposed to make a “Kiddush Hashem” (sanctification of G-d’s name) and not Chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d), and so my hope and prayer is that people in this synagogue and in every synagogue, can “let go” and instead “let G-d.”

1. THE BLOGS
Andy Blumenthal
Synagogue Politics
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal, For illustrative Purposes Only)
Recently, I heard about a synagogue that had an election. A new board and
leadership were put in place. Of course, there are plenty of politics that go on
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2. with any election and for any organization. However, once the election is over,
it’s over until the next time.
However, I understand that in this situation, someone seems to continue to hold
a grudge. As soon as the services come towards the final portion, this individual,
who apparently sits prominently in front of the shul, takes off the tallit (prayer
shawl) and slowly and very publicly prepares to leave. He stands up—first comes
the coat, then the hat, then the scarf, then the gloves, and then out they go,
almost as if they are marching to their own beat.
The person telling me this story said, “at first I thought they must be upset that
they weren’t elected or didn’t like who was, and that it was a temporary ‘protest
moment’.” But then this went on week after week. The funny thing is that when
he used to be the one giving the announcements or speech at the end of
services, of course there was the presumed expectation that everyone else would
listen, pay attention, and show proper respect. However, now that others are in
the position and have the opportunity, week after week, they just walk right out
in the middle.
I can imagine that the person must somehow feel slighted or very upset and I
have compassion for them and wish them well. At the same time, I am myself
upset and even angered thinking about the disruption to the services, and
disrespect not only to the people, but even more importantly to Hashem! I think
how many people walk long distances and in even bad weather to get to shul,
and here this person is stomping out, and ruining it for everyone else.
It is common for synagogues around the world to have the following phrase over
the Holy Ark that means “Know before whom you stand” i.e., G-d:
‫עומד‬ ‫אתה‬ ‫מי‬ ‫לפני‬ ‫דע‬”
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3. In other words, we are reminded that this is not just any old building or your
living room, but rather a House of G-d and everyone should act appropriately,
with respect and honor before the L-rd.
Interestingly, in this week’s Torah portion, Terumah, we read about G-d’s
commandments to the Children of Israel to build the Mishkan, the portable
sanctuary for the Jews as they wandered in the desert after leaving Egyptian
servitude and before arriving in Eretz Yisrael. G-d tells us (Exodus 25:8):
Clearly, the mobile sanctuary and later the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and now
our synagogues are “Houses of G-d,” where we go to pray, learn Torah, and
worship Him, and where He resides among us. Sure, G-d is everywhere, but the
synagogue/Temple is a unique, special, and spiritual place where we as
community dedicate ourselves to G-d and worship Him. It should go without
saying that the synagogue is not a place for petty politics, protests, or other
antics.
Certainly, I am not religiously perfect, and nobody is. I can only look to the
example of my own grandfather and father, who were wholly inspiring in this
regard. I remember so fondly as a child growing up in Manhattan and attending
Ramat Orah synagogue, where my dear grandfather, Simon Blumenthal (‫ז׳ל‬)
They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among them.
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4. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Blumenthal is a business and technology leader who writes frequently about Jewish life,
culture, and security. All opinions are his own.
served as President for many years, and where my father, Fred Blumenthal (‫ז׳ל‬),
served on the Board. Their loyalty and dedication to not only attending, but also
to serving had a lasting impression on me. While perhaps, they may have
disagreed with other’s opinions, they never let that interfere with their
commitment or reverence for the synagogue itself. They were Holocaust
survivors who saw the destruction of their own shuls in Europe. Now in
America, they did everything in their power to build the synagogues, enhance
their physical beauty and function, and support the community.
As Jews, we are supposed to make a “Kiddush Hashem” (sanctification of G-d’s
name) and not Chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d), and so my hope and prayer
is that people in this synagogue and in every synagogue, can “let go” and
instead “let G-d.”