Shabbat Morning Services are Good for My Health

I believe that attending Shabbat morning services is good for my health.

Over the past few years, I have started attending Saturday morning Shabbat services more regularly. I go on my own. I do it by choice. There is no “reason” for me to attend except for the fact that I want to attend. I am at the stage of life where I am “between” major life events of family and friends. To my knowledge, there are no upcoming weddings, babies, or Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebrations on the calendar.

I will go out on a limb and say that most of us as kids and even when getting older did not get excited about attending religious services on a regular basis. We did not go simply because we wanted to. (Ok, I admit that I sometimes did like going as a kid, but I definitely enjoy it more now.)

As I have gotten older, I have enjoyed and taken advantage of the fact that I can do and learn things now simply because I want to with no stress or obligation. Take grades or deadlines out of the equation, and you can relax and enjoy. Granted, without the pressure aspect, you may not technically learn or remember as much, but there are so many benefits of participating without the added stress. (I have written about this idea in the past when talking about book clubs and Great Decisions.)

When I attend Saturday morning services, it isn’t because “it’s good for me.” I go because I enjoy it, and, I happen to benefit in so many ways. First, I mentioned that I go by myself. No one in my family has to come with me if they do not want to (but I was thrilled when my daughter joined me one Saturday when she was home from college). There is no “when will this be over,” “I’m hungry,” or “I have to get to my other plans.” This is “me time.” While spending time with others and helping others is so important, allowing you to do things for yourself will help keep you focused and energized.

Although I am part of a congregation, there is a meditative aspect to praying with others. There is a peace I also feel when listening to others read, especially the Torah and Haftarah. Sometimes I follow along; sometimes I just listen. I find it comforting. When reading aloud together, there is the feeling of community you feel when doing something with a group. You kind of get to be alone and with others at the same time!

In my opinion, one sign of adulthood is that fact that I now enjoy and look forward to the Rabbi’s sermon. On some Saturdays (at the synagogue at which I attend services), the sermon is sometimes replaced with a discussion between the rabbi and another person (frequently another rabbi) in front of the congregation. It is like watching a live podcast. (As a kid, the sermon was the time when we would all leave the sanctuary for a while. Now I make sure that I don’t have to take a bathroom break during that time!) (Another sign of adulthood is getting excited about shopping at Crate and Barrel, but that is a different subject.) To me, the educational part of the service feels like a combination of a history lesson, current events discussion, and therapy session. It is intended to be meaningful in today’s world, and, in my opinion, it succeeds.

As I said, participation in the Shabbat service is meaningful and beneficial to me. Not to be forgotten, though, is the Shabbat lunch after the service. Not only do I enjoy a good meal but, more importantly, I share the meal with others. There is something to be said for sitting together with a group of people at a table and just talking. Keep in mind, phones are NOT ON THE TABLES during lunch. We talk — good old fashioned conversation.

This is something I look forward to on Saturday mornings. I can’t attend every week for various reasons, but I am always glad when I can. This may not be your typical type of “thing,” but, it may be worth checking out what your religious community has to offer. Just a thought.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences.