jbg
Active Member
I don't know if this belongs here, or in one of the non-religious sections. Feel free to move this thread.
This morning, I lead "Torah Study," roughly the equivalent of Bible study. There were about twenty adults, ranging from about 55 to people in their 80's, in attendance. I was the lay "leader" of the day. The Cantor was there to assist but had to leave about ten minutes early. When he did, all hell broke loose.
About 30 seconds after the Cantor left Torah Study, decorum totally collapsed. About six cell phones whipped out, and all kinds of side conversations broke out. I can understand people occasionally check their phones. Certainly I am guilty of this sometimes. But today was absolutely excessive. Therefore, as a result, I terminated Torah study about two minutes after the Cantor left, or about eight minutes early.
Now, the organizer of Torah Study is constantly appealing for lay leaders. They used to be abundant but certain of them don't come as often, certain ones have resigned. This morning's mayhem makes it difficult for me to imagine leading again any time soon. Is it any wonder there are few volunteers?
I was a Sunday school student from 1967-70, ages 10-13. My classroom was not ten yards away from the site of this morning's "festivities." As a 13 year old, I walked out May 4, 1970, the first class session (a Monday since it was Hebrew school) after my Bar Mitzvah. Reason; spitballing in class. Same garbage, different age, different day.
This morning, I lead "Torah Study," roughly the equivalent of Bible study. There were about twenty adults, ranging from about 55 to people in their 80's, in attendance. I was the lay "leader" of the day. The Cantor was there to assist but had to leave about ten minutes early. When he did, all hell broke loose.
About 30 seconds after the Cantor left Torah Study, decorum totally collapsed. About six cell phones whipped out, and all kinds of side conversations broke out. I can understand people occasionally check their phones. Certainly I am guilty of this sometimes. But today was absolutely excessive. Therefore, as a result, I terminated Torah study about two minutes after the Cantor left, or about eight minutes early.
Now, the organizer of Torah Study is constantly appealing for lay leaders. They used to be abundant but certain of them don't come as often, certain ones have resigned. This morning's mayhem makes it difficult for me to imagine leading again any time soon. Is it any wonder there are few volunteers?
I was a Sunday school student from 1967-70, ages 10-13. My classroom was not ten yards away from the site of this morning's "festivities." As a 13 year old, I walked out May 4, 1970, the first class session (a Monday since it was Hebrew school) after my Bar Mitzvah. Reason; spitballing in class. Same garbage, different age, different day.