To pray with deep conviction and intensity is a difficult act made more challenging by the perennial chatter that goes on in an Orthodox shul. Everyone knows it's a problem but it persists because no solutions have been found to work. Richard Messing has taken the fight to the dragon and produced a work of insight and clarity. Read it to gain a profound understanding that the lack of decorum in the synagogue is not just a matter of bad manners but an inadvertent transgression of the most precious Jewish principle of monotheism. Maybe if people realize that their chit-chat and joking is actually idol-worship, maybe then they will rein in their tongues. Let's hope that Richard Messing's good work will have that effect, Endorsement by Dr. Alan Morinis, founder of The Mussar Institute. The Puppet Pitfall: unorthodox shul decorum, is an analysis of the forces that cause people to misbehave during religious services, even though the moral law for proper decorum in the sanctuary is well known. This behavioral disorder is referred to here as Unorthodox Shul Decorum. You may view or download The Puppet Pitfall below. |
The Puppet Pitfall >