I can understand why at the early minyan (6 AM) on Rosh Chodesh, when Rosh Chodesh falls on a regular workday, why there is no singing during Hallel. People do need to get to work.
But what is the excuse today? On Yom ha’Avodah so no one has any work (of course), at the second minyan, how can there be no singing during Hallel? It is so thoroughly uninspiring when that happens. And it is Elul (it’s shofar time)!
Chodesh Tov!
September 7th, 2005 at 14:40
I love to sing, and my preferred minyan is a a lively Carlbach-style festive event every single week.
However, I want to defend the other points of view people have. Some people get more into the rhythm of the davening, and use a fast pace to help them keep focus. I heard that the Kotzker Hasidim specifically race through the davening lest they lose their kavannah!
If you find that the minyan you are in isn’t your style, then take a moment and thank Hashem for yet another fantastic blessing of your new home! After all, where else in the world do you have this large a number and variety of minyanim to choose from?!
May your holy tunes be heard in the highest places!
Randy Lazarus
Mitzpe Yericho
September 7th, 2005 at 14:46
I can see what you are saying about davening fast. However, I am pretty sure (I could be wrong of course) that the minyan that I attended was being operated with a level of kavana equal to Kotzker Hasidim. A nice thought though.
Thanks for the good wishes. Can’t wait to come home…
October 23rd, 2005 at 9:26
[...] Looks like some things never change. (Sigh) [...]