Megillah, March - April 2003

Editorial

Those of us who have been employed outside the home during our adult life know that the weekend is for relaxing. Whether you worked at a 9 to 5 job, or, like me, who as a RN had to work every other weekend and some evening and night shifts, the weekend was looked forward to from Monday on. Individual routines may have varied, but usually there was a leisurely breakfast on Saturdays, followed by running errands, maybe taking the kids to a party, movie or shopping. Dinner was a light affair, followed by a quiet evening either at home or with a few close friends. Sunday was usually reserved for family outings or visiting with relatives. Definitely a break from the rushed weekday routine.

I find that now, even though I have retired and the children are out of the house, I tend to feel the same about weekends. On Saturday mornings, I like to sleep late. So what is this about getting up early, showering, and rushing through a quick breakfast in order to be in the synagogue at a respectable time? I find myself thinking, "Maybe I'll stay home this week." Or, "It's pretty rainy (substitute hot, snowy, etc.) so maybe I'll stay in." Or, "I have a headache (substitute upset stomach, cold, etc.) and really should rest."

But, most Saturdays, I do drag myself out of bed, shower, and eat on the run and begrudgingly follow my husband out to the car, putting on my earrings as I go. Why?

Once I get inside the synagogue, and open the prayer book, I find that in concentrating on the services, my everyday problems go away for a while. I am not worrying about car payments, grandchildren, or errands. I am in a "safe haven" for a few hours. I can concentrate on the prayers, the Torah portion, or on the peace within me that comes from being in a special place together with others who have come to rejoice in the Sabbath. Ooh, it feels do good to leave the everyday mundane things at the door to the sanctuary. for a few hours each week, I feel happy and at peace. It is worth the effort.

~Bernice Cohen