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by Joel M. Hoffman March 2005 There are strange things done as we have our fun on 30 West Sixty-Eight, For Stephen Wise is on the rise progressing from good to great But now and again our synagogue train follows a curious trail So many's the day you'd be tempted to say the train has jumped the rail. But let me start out with a word about our name in this neck of the woods 'Cause there's a word that's always heard but seldom understood In what we all choose to call this place. I think you'll agree That it confuses some. Well, almost everyone. I'm talking about the word ``free.'' Oh my, oh yes. ``S'' ``W'' ``F'' ``S.'' It's the ``F''-word that causes unease. (Not that F-word --- don't be absurd. This poem is rated ``G.'') But what could ``free'' mean? In this context it seems, well, it seems bizarre 'Cause it would appear that (at least until this year) the word ``free'' was not who we are. Yes, to sit in our pews you have to pay dues. There's nothing free about that. Our school has a fee --- that's not free. We even pass the hat On Friday night to see if we might collect a dollar or two. And you have to pay to see our Bet Cafe. Does that sound free to you? But I'm here to say that ``free'' is the way we conduct our spiritual lives. The rabbi is free to say whatever he thinks he should advise... ...Us of, some text that he loves, or a cause he wants us to... ...Concentrate on. Or reflect upon. Or something we should do. Back in the day a common way to conduct a synagogue was For a board member or two to tell the rabbi what to do, and also what it was He was allowed to say, and in what way. The rabbi thus was constrained To follow the lead of the laypeople that he'd been told to train... ...In the ways of the Jews and about what we do and about what we ought to care, About ethics and such that mattered so much that the dream of a synagogue where... ...Rabbi Stephen Wise was free to devise any sermon at all Drove him to found this place to sound his ethical rallying call. And day and night he fought the fight, quoting Isaiah and Psalms. As a beacon of light he fought for what's right. He brought us Tikun Olam. He wasn't constrained by those feigned disinterest in what he Wanted to say. And that is why they call this synagogue ``free.'' I keep saying ``he,'' but sometimes it's ``she'' that's the pronoun that applies To the person who we all refer to as ``rabbi'' of Stephen Wise. Yes, among its firsts it was this place that burst into the national news By daring to hire a woman to inspire as rabbi to those in the pews. But with all this talk and what's free and what's not and with whether it's ``he'' or it's ``she.'' I've erred and digressed. So let me turn next to who it is that we Trust with the jobs, some exciting, some odd, that make this place go round. Let me turn now to the who, what, and how of the people Stephen Wise has found. Ammi Hirsch gets listed first, just 'cause ``first'' and ``Hirsch'' rhyme. (Well, almost at least. This time I had to cheat. I'll do better next time.) How lucky we are to have such a star. We already love him a lot, And only in part because of what he's start// -ed to do, like Kabalat Shabbat. Cantor Gabi Arad takes us closer to God, contributing more than her share: As a cantor she brings the words that she sings; as a rabbi she has the flair And depth of thought we've always sought. I'm thrilled to be able to say That's she's ours for a while, making us smile, and also running this Bet Cafe. Cantor Mark O (That's O for AH-PI-TOE --- Er, I mean, OH-PI-TOW) Winds his way through each musical day showing all of us how The Nusach of prayer --- nusach is where you use a musical theme --- Enhances the ways each of us prays. Mark's our cantor supreme. There's another team of people who seem devoted but they range From a little bizarre to those who are very, very strange. Like Moshe A who's been known to say his childhood was adorned By Yemenite things, but it seems, no one knows when he was born. Moshe's been known to dance to his own private set of drums, Like the day when a bunch of teachers had lunch and Moshe had some fun By dancing around singing Yemenite sounds. He was certainly merry and gay. But the thing of it is, this private show of his took place in a public cafe. Or take Sheera D who's got to be the loveliest soul you'll meet But she had a show, with her brother, you know called ``between the sheets.'' She helps us rejoice by bring her voice and her beautiful glowing soul Four days a week, she's dressed in sleek// black, she makes us whole. I've known my friend Tal for 22 years in all. There's nothing he can't do. He not only knows how to teach Hebrew. He blows// the saxophone amazingly too. He's part of our team and it would seem he's part of a growing trend. Uri and Moran have also gone from musician to Stephen Wise friend. So Sheera and Tal, and Uri, you'll recall, excel at the music they do, Like Marc and Moran and Gabi with her songs, and, actually, many of you. My singing's not great and my rhythm's second-rate, so it's hard to understand Why when we need a musician to lead services. I'm in charge of the band. I wish there were time to list line by line the names of the rest of the staff, The people who ought to have a few thoughts spoken on their behalf. But suffice it to say that every school day we all work together as one, As part of a team --- a well oiled machine --- creating Jewish educational fun. And to the students here let me be clear. We teachers are here for you. It's a great treat for us each week to spend an hour or two, Or three or four, or sometimes more, creating classroom bliss, And schmoozing, too, getting to know you. So to the students let me say this: We're here for you, to guide what you do, to listen, to talk and respect Your emotions as you meet those around you. For example, what might be the effects Of falling in love with one you're fond of. If you do, then you're in luck. For this group is trained to be one to explain the details of how to talk... ...To the one soul you like when the time is just right but you don't know what to say. And more than that, how to have that chat in a uniquely Jewish way. Among our lot you've surely got people who can add A Jewish text, to help with what's next, whether you're happy, indifferent or sad. Whatever the case of the faculty in this place, and whatever it is they do, One thing I know their behavior shows, the members of this human zoo: It must be hard to be the one in charge of these people who carry on With their crazy ways. So our accolades are due to Dena Kahn. 'Cause the members of// this unruly club I feel I must confess Are really not the easiest lot to control at S.W.F.S. When Dena K. came here from L.A. (though she's originally from D.C.) ASAP we wanted her to be// a VIP in NYC. Next in line are four students of mine. I must mention each by name 'Cause each is a star and together they are an outstanding group that came Here when they were just in Grade K, or for some in Grade One or Grade Two. And then in Grade Three they learned Hebrew from me. Let me tell you what they do. Eric A., Julia B., Daniel B., Rachel G.: Four people I've come to adore. Each Tuesday we meet to study and eat starting at half past four. Or a quarter of, or five, 'cause of// the busy lives they create. Well, sometimes the mix isn't complete 'till six. But for them I'm willing to wait. Daniel's been known to offer his own interpretation of things, Like current events. And I should ments-// tion he also always brings A knowledge of law (because he saw the latest West Wing repeat). But history is a subject where his knowledge seems more complete. Rachel's mind is also that kind that never fails to astound. I often thought that someone ought to write what she says down. Her talent and skill I'm sure always will reflect her aptitude. But even more than that we adore the joy that she exudes. Julia and Eric individually merit musical awards of some kind, For the music they bring as they play and they sing is surely what God had in mind When he or when she decided there should be music to lift our spirits higher. (And let me just say, sort of by the way, that Julia has pretty cool attire.) I'm proud that all four have served of the board of the senior youth group here, By which is meant, they plan the events that take place throughout the year. But even more, they built the core, like a mason with a trowel, Of the group of fame, SWFSTY is its name. And its motto? ``I'll buy a vowel.'' I'd like to add that I'm personally glad that included this year was I. Well, included was me. But it's hard, you see, to rhyme and still speak proper-lye. Egad. Oh no! My poem's starting to go. It seems I'm starting to babble. And I fear that this line, in order to rhyme, will have an acCENT on the wrong sylLABle. So while I could I suppose continue in prose until the hour is late, Here's the spot I'll choose to stop. The rest will have to wait. You were kind to lend// your ears, my friends, but now, without delay The time has come for even more fun. On with the Bet Cafe! There are strange things done as we have our fun on 30 West Sixty-Eight, For Stephen Wise is on the rise progressing from good to great But now and again our synagogue train follows a curious trail So many's the day you'd be tempted to say the train has jumped the rail. Copyright (C) 2005 by Joel M. Hoffman |