Saturday, December 22, this young Noahide made his first visit to a Synagogue. The Shul was in the Chabad Center of Plano, Texas, and was about an hour and a half drive from home in East Texas. Considering the fact that the Shul was Orthodox, and it was Shabbat, I discovered a notably full parking lot nearby. I greeted the security guard (very friendly) and he escorted me into the sanctuary.

Like all Orthodox Shuls, the congregation was divided into sections based on gender. I sat down in the men’s section, and a gentleman handed me a Siddur, and pointed me to the correct page. I did my best to follow along reading in English, although I couldn’t always keep up with the Cantor’s rapid prayers, and the prayers of the congregation. The atmosphere was very informal, and there were no musical instruments. During many of the psalms, the Hazzan would tap his desk, and the congregation would clap. Most members of the congregation knew what to do and when to do. Notably, the vast majority of the prayers were said sitting down rather than standing, which surprised me.

Right before the Torah reading, the Rabbi, a venerable Hasid with a long, white beard, gave some announcements and a brief overview of the upcoming reading. Following this, he delivered a homily extorting the congregation to use their God-given gifts humbly, and be “like fish” swimming under the radar in relation to their talents. Then the Torah reading began.

It took quite a while to read the weekly parshat, largely due the blessing said before and after each reading. I was following along in a giant stone edition Chumash which I had been handed, as we read about Jacob blessing each of his sons, and the eventual death of Jacob and Joseph. Periodically, the gentleman next to me would call out the page number and verse we were on, which helped this non-Hebrew speaker keep up better.

Following the Torah service, there was a series of subsequent prayers, followed by announcements. After what I believe was only the first service of the day, they broke for a kosher lunch. I got caught up in conversation with the gentleman in front of me, and was soon invited to join in the festive meal. The Rabbi made several toasts, and the food was quite tasty.

After I left the Shul, I began to think about my experience. The people inside had been quite friendly, particularly once the service had ended. There was a festive joy in the air, Jews embracing their Shabbat. The Rabbi had greeted me warmly. Nevertheless, I still felt somewhat uncomfortable. I believe I would need to understand Hebrew better to fully grasp the service. Furthermore, while the sermon was very general, there is always the possibility that the teacher might delve into areas of the Torah less appropriate for the B’nai Noach. Yet I still hope to re-visit the Shul soon. Despite my study of Noahide Law and the Tanakh, I felt a unique closeness to Judaism upon entering the Shul, and hearing Hebrew, and it really brought the Torah to life before my eyes. In the meantime, when I return to Dallas, I may witness services in other Orthodox synagogues that are not associated with Chabad, to determine the differences.

May Hashem bless Israel and the Nations, and lead us into all truth!

David Rhodes

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