Despite their demanding weekday duties, both of these rabbis are quick in responding to shailos, inviting guests to their homes, conducting daily classes, tending to members in times of need, and reaching out to Jews beyond the walls of their respective congregations. Out of loyalty, I also give some of my maaser to my childhood synagogue, Congregation Machane Chodosh in Forest Hills, where I learned to read in Hebrew.
Like many of my Queens neighbors, my family has its rabbi yet we also choose to attend other shuls on occasion, seeking familiarity but also variety. We seek comfort in a cozy space but sometimes we miss the chazzan‘s booming voice of our childhood shul.
Just as we choose to make Kiddush using a silver cup rather than a plastic one, it would be wonderful if shtieblach would have inspiring art and creative interior design as a hiddur mitzvah, but at the very least we create a unique and deep level of fulfillment when we all daven in unison, assist one other, and form strong friendships.
Sergey Kadinsky
(Via E-Mail)
Editor’s Note: Mr. Kadinsky is an adjunct professor of art history and Jewish history at Touro College’s NYSCAS program.