Personal Narrative: Rodef Shalm Synagogue

For all intents and purposes this congregational study completely unfamiliar from the tradition which I currently worship. I decided it would be interesting, and challenging as well as unfamiliar to my own tradition a Jewish Synagogue. My choice was Rodef Shalom Synagogue in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, not far from my home. My intention was to attended a Saturday morning worship service, however, due to my unfamiliarity of Jewish services I consequently found myself attending a Bar Mitzvah. With enormous anticipation, and excitement the service surprisingly was very much in concept as a traditional Christian baptism of young children who have openly confessed their love of Christ, yet in comparison like nothing I had ever experienced. …show more content…
As I sat down I discovered not too surprisingly everything is written in Hebrew, although the programs are in English which given you a heads-up describe of the order of service. Upon arrival in the beginning, I felt a bit uneasy and out of place, I guess it wasn’t all bad for I could take notes at my leisure, no one spoke, of course there was an occasional nod here and there, in any event no one spoke before, during, or after the service it was quite uncomfortable. However, obviously, this was not about me personally, it was about a young boy becoming a man of faith, and his proud family. This was a sacred time; this service is commonly open to the community to watch children come to an open declaration of faith. Note; of the surroundings, all I can say is, the synagogue is incredibly ornate and beautiful, writing on walls in Hebrew on plagues, and windows. Mahogany everywhere. The music is sung in Hebrew. I found it fascinating how they can get children to obey so obediently and not complain they had to be in church on a Saturday morning. So, young yet they completely understood why they were there. So much the children knew about their