What's it like to daven at the West Side Minyan?
Since we're a small group, everybody gets to know
one another pretty quickly. Soon you'll feel like you're davening
with old friends. The minyan attracts a pretty varied crowd:
singles and marrieds, young and old, Some would call our services
"havurah-style." Others would describe us as participatory.
We think "cozy" or "haimish" is most accurate. Our services
are organized and conducted entirely by minyan members. We
encourage people to participate in whatever way they can,
from leading prayers to bringing kiddush. Informal groups
led by knowledgeable members help people learn and improve
their skills. Whether you want to learn something new or try
something old, this is a place to do it.
What's the minyan's Jewish practice like?
We follow the traditional liturgy using Siddur Sim
Shalom. The Torah is read on a triennial cycle. There is remarkably
little talking during the Torah service. At least once a month,
the Haftorah is chanted. Most members daven musaf, though
a few choose to study quietly during that part of the service.
Instead of a sermon or d'var torah, each week a different
person prepares and leads us in a discussion based on the
weekly Torah portion.
We are open to change and open to people from diverse Jewish
backgrounds. Like the other minyanim at Ansche Chesed, we
are egalitarian (men and women take on all roles). Women
who choose to wear a tallit will find themselves comfortable
at the West Side Minyan.
What's the dress code?
Some members dress up for Shabbat, some dress down.
Whatever you wear, you'll feel comfortable at the West Side
Minyan.
What about children?
Bring 'em along, we're kid-friendly! Younger members
past the age of bar/bat mitzvah take an active role -- leading
services, leining, and so on.
Is the West Side Minyan wheelchair
accessible?
Yes! The synagogue entrance on 100th Street has
a ramp up to the main floor. We usually meet in the Chapel
which is on the main floor. Our seating is movable so we
can easily accomodate you. A Shabbat elevator will take
you to any other floor that we meet on. The elevator also
goes to the lower level, where there's a ramp to the handicapped
bathroom.
What is the minyan's relationship with
Ansche Chesed?
Since the minyan's founding in 1974, it has been
an enthusiastic affiliate of Congregation Ansche Chesed
and a key participant in the Ansche Chesed renaissance.
Minyan members have served the Ansche Chesed community in
every volunteer capacity up through shul President. The
West Side Minyan encourages its members to join Ansche Chesed,
which most of our regulars have chosen to do.
How is the West Side Minyan run?
Volunteers share all responsibilities such as bringing
kiddush, coordinating activities and leading services. Volunteering
strengthens our havurah. A Steering Committee of coordinators
and volunteers handles administrative matters. Volunteers
are always needed and welcomed. To volunteer, contact
any of our coordinators.
New daveners are warmly welcomed to
our community!
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