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November 22, 2024
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Minyan Attendance, Revisited

I wish to thank Adam Caplan for his critique of my articles on the importance of minyan attendance (“Minyan Matters,” January 21, 2021). It is an opportunity to clarify my position and respond to his objections. This is not the first generation of young professionals with young children. Nor is it a novelty when both spouses work. Shul minyanim are not only composed of retired men or men with grown children. The demands of car pools and taking care of young children do not exist on Sunday mornings or on legal holidays. Why don’t we see the same number of young men at mincha on Shabbat afternoon as we do in the morning? I do not doubt the impact of davening at home with one’s children. However, an important lesson is also imparted when children see abba going to shul on a regular basis. That sends a message. Everyone prioritizes differently. Time management is rough. I get it. Not all mitzvot are easy or always convenient. We may not agree but I trust my position is clear. I am not intolerant, just concerned about how we transmit certain values to the next generation.

Rabbi Wallace Greene
Fair Lawn
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