Reading and Leading: Leaving An Impact From Afar | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Reading and Leading: Leaving An Impact From Afar

Sometimes the best teachers are outside the classroom.

8
Reading and Leading: Leaving An Impact From Afar
bethelcong.org

The first time I heard his voice, I was struck by its purity, its crystal clearness, and its vitality. To this day, I remember it as an experience that was uplifting and gratifying. Although it sounds cliché, I found the hair on my arms standing up as he began to chant, goose bumps reflexively surfacing. His voice echoed in my synagogue’s sanctuary, so identifiable that if I had walked into Saturday morning services blindfolded, I would have known precisely who was leading our congregation in prayer. It was a remarkably robust voice, despite the fact that he was quite diminutive, his head barely peaking above the table upon which the Torah, the book of Jewish scriptures, was placed. The Hebrew that rolled off of his tongue so elegantly was not his first language, but neither was English. He spoke with a thick Polish accent. I did not know him personally. In fact, I am certain that we had only exchanged minimal words, a Sabbath greeting, perhaps, or a congratulatory acknowledgement of a reading exceptionally well-done. But Nachman, the senior gentleman who was among the routine Torah readers in my synagogue, had been a source of inspiration to me.

Reading Torah, often known as “laining” from the Yiddish term for “reading” is more than simply uttering a series of words. It is a fine art. Musical notes and accents are attached to Hebrew letters, and a degree of experience and skill is necessary for the reader to master the text. When I heard Nachman read Torah, I heard poetry, not prose. This was particularly appealing to me, as a lover of poetry. Like poetry, the words that are being spoken are allusive, suggestive rather than explicit in meaning. The Torah lends itself to interpretation, and the manner in which Nachman’s voice was raised or lowered hinted at deep implications and made me contemplate the week’s portion.

Attending weekly services and having the pleasure of hearing Nachman chant prompted me to join the ranks of Torah readers in my synagogue, and impacted me in several ways. It is noteworthy that in many synagogues, women are prohibited from reading Torah. In mine, this is not the case and, in fact, my Rabbi and the congregation warmly welcome women Torah readers. Knowing that I am a young woman who has been given an opportunity to read Torah is an honor. Reading Torah is a fulfilling experience, a passionate link to spirituality. Chanting Torah transports me inward and allows me to be introspective. I suspect that it is a great deal like meditation. In addition, Nachman’s stirring Torah readings challenged and inspired me, a reserved introvert, to share my voice. Though I have always been a reluctant performer, refusing my friends’ urgings to audition for the cast of our annual high school dramas, and politely declining to join our choir, Nachman motivated me to step out of my comfort zone. Now, as I stand before a crowd and begin to chant, I am grateful to Nachman for his teaching from afar.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180126
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7208
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452439
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23264
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments