The Amen Effect

God said, “It is not good for the Human to be alone; I will make a fitting counterpart for him.”

Typically, a quorum of ten adult Jews is needed in Jewish communal prayer for certain components of the regular daily or Shabbat services (including Barechu, Kedushah and the repetition of the Amidah), reading from the Torah and haftarah portions in synagogue, and saying Kaddish among other things. The Kaddish is said by mourners for 11 months after the death of a loved one. Other rituals that require a minyan include: the seven wedding blessings (Sheva Berachot), reciting the priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) and saying the prayer for escaping a dangerous situation (Birkat HaGomel).

"Why Lift the Bride and Groom on Chairs at Jewish Weddings?" by Yehuda Shurpin

It is considered a great mitzvah to make the bride and groom joyful at their wedding. Many of the great sages in the Talmud would dance and do all sorts of tricks to entertain the couple. For example, Rabbi Yehuda bar Ilai would take a myrtle branch and dance before the bride, calling her “a fair and attractive bride.” And Rav Shmuel bar Rav Yitzchak would dance while juggling three branches of myrtle.

One rabbi, Rabbi Zeira, felt it was demeaning for such an honorable person to caper about like that. But when Rav Shmuel passed away, Rabbi Zeira saw a heavenly pillar of fire appear before Rav Shmuel’s body. He then proclaimed that this was due to the great enthusiasm with which the deceased had fulfilled the mitzvah of bringing joy to the bride and groom.

.. Rabbi Hiya Bar Abba was sick. Rabbi Yohanan went to visit him; he [Rabbi Yohanan] said to him: "Are your sufferings dear to you?" He [Rabbi Hiya Bar Abba] replied: "Not them and not their reward." He [Rabbi Yohanan] said: "Give me your hand" He gave him his hand and stood him up [i.e. he was healed.]

Rabbi Yohanan was sick. Rabbi Hanina went to visit him. He said to him: "Is suffering dear to you?" He replied: "Not them and not their reward." He said: "Give me your hand" And he stood him up. Why doesn't Rabbi Yonhanan stand himself up? They say - A prisoner can't free himself from prison.

1. Show Up -- for the funeral and the happy occasions

2. Please, Hold On -- antidote to loneliness is making connection

3. See No Stranger -- every person is worthy of love

4. Come Alive -- we are called to great things through service to others

5. Grieve and Live -- our hearts can hold both sorrow and celebration; take a joy break

6. Hold the Healers -- a prisoner cannot free herself; no grinning and bearing it

7. Bear With-ness -- the work is not to fix, but to love; be present (what's with the chocolate babka?)

8. Wonder -- curiosity is essential to our healing; breathe and stay at the table

9. Write a New Story