[Home]
[Up]

Without question, one of the many factors contributing to the Gra Shul’s success is that they have a great sign maker.

This anonymous hero undoubtedly works long hours and late nights to keep up with the shul's endless learning programs - classes at night, before davening, on Shabbos, before Shabbos, during the day, Halacha, Gemara, Nach, Aggadah - you name it, there is a shiur (and a sign) for each one. Which is why a newcomer cannot fail to recognize almost immediately that he is standing in a very special makom Torah.

However, the more seasoned member will testify that equally special is the atmosphere of consideration for others, chesed and midos tovos which permeates Beis Kenesses HaGra. I would like to mention a few brief examples.

The shul was temporarily relocated. Due to increasing popularity and lack of space, the building was undergoing major renovations. Nevertheless, searching for a lost sefer, I found myself one Erev Shabbos heading up the stairs to the Gra. Imagine my surprise upon seeing a man, doubled over under the weight of a large sack, walking ahead of me. Upon closer examination I recognized one of the Gabbaim carrying a bag filled with bundles of beautiful roses. Was the shul in such dire financial straits that the Gabbaim had to go door to door selling flowers to make ends meet? My thoughts were interrupted by several loud knocks on the door, followed by the Gabbai’s voice addressing one of the neighbors.

“As you know, the shul has been undergoing some renovations this week. Please take these flowers as a gift from us, with our apologies if you’ve been inconvenienced in any way - and have a good Shabbos.” I walked away, touched by the shul’s sensitivity to its neighbors.

Every new community goes through its growth pains - with various groups branching out in their search to express themselves. Ramat Beit Shemesh was no exception. In the midst of a particularly turbulent period, several prominent members of the Gra Shul met to discuss ways to increase Achdus in the community. They planned to organize a mass Tefilloh on Shavuos night in the parking lot outside the shul where the Mara D’Asra of Ramat Beit Shemesh most often davens [the Gra has enjoyed a very warm relationship with the Mara D’Asra since its inception]. Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, their plans never materialized.

Nazir 2b. My first Daf HaYomi shiur. Would anyone show up? One of the Gabbaim had already approached me explaining that he wasn’t such a "shiur person" and wouldn’t be attending. Imagine my surprise when that very same person entered the Beis HaKenesses just after 6:00 AM to join us for the first Daf. He had some to show his and the Shul’s support for the Daf HaYomi program. I appreciated his thoughtfulness as well as the encouragement he and the other Gabbaim have always expressed.

Shavuos night. The shul empties out. I too am in a hurry to go home, but my seat is far from the exit. Consequently, when the new Rav leaves, I am amongst the handful of people trailing behind him. The Rav descends one floor and then quickly heads towards the apartment located directly under the shul. What is the Rav doing? After one or two knocks the door opens. “I want to apologize to you if the shul’s learning disturbs your family in any way. We’ll do everything possible to keep the noise level down.”

The next morning I watch as an appreciative apartment owner assures the Rav that his family had slept soundly.

It should be of no surprise to find the pursuit of Torah and the refinement of Derech Eretz together - after all, Chazal tell us “Derech Eretz Kodmoh L’Torah” - without Derech Eretz, it is impossible to truly acquire Torah. Perhaps this is because Derech Eretz requires a person to see outside of his own world to recognize and concern himself with the needs of others. To the extent this ability is developed one can pursue Torah in the spirit of “Na’aseh V’nishmah” - to make the Will of Hashem the guiding force in one’s life, and not his own.

There is much more I could write about the Gra shul. But the best way to learn more is to visit the shul yourself. Besides, there might be an important sign that you won’t want to miss.