Shabbat shalom! I love that time in the morning in the house when I am the only one there and it is quiet. I love swimming because as I submerge, push off from the wall and start to swim there is a silence that I can’t explain but that is magnificent. I am not the only one who likes it quiet. There are now quiet cars on trains so that people can relax, work, read, meditate and/or sleep without fear of being disturbed by those on their cell phones. It is said that “silence is golden” and yet many of us are extremely uncomfortable in silence. As part of the recent survey about worship times I was fascinated by the number of comments about music during services. There were the typical responses: sing more, sing less, sing the traditional version, sing new music, clap, don’t clap, more piano, less piano etc. But the comment that surprised me the most was the one looking for silence. The question raised was why do we announce a few moments of silent meditation and then play music. I think that some of the survey respondents like the music because it soothes them into a place where deep thought and connection with God can actually take place. But for some the music is a hindrance to silent meditation and that deep connection to prayer, God, and self. It is hard to be silent and yet Shabbat is all about rest which at some point or another is about silence. So I am trying an experiment and, for the Shabbatot in March when I am leading services, silent mediation will be silent. Come join me in a quiet conversation with God that might naturally arise in the silence.
L’shalom,
Margot
