Thinking about the convert Ruth as well as Leeann and Catherine, the two new Jews-by-Choice we’ll be officially welcoming into Judaism on June 11th, what came to mind was a question I’ve often asked at a Bet Din (the “court” at which we test conversion candidates) and one particular answer.

The question is, “What is your favorite part of the worship service?” While we expect the answer to be one of the prayers, or the beautiful music, or the extremely inspirational sermon, that’s not the answer given by one woman many years ago. She said, “The hugs and kisses after the benediction.” The other members of the Bet Din sat silent for a moment...as did I. But then I said, “That’s fantastic! What a wonderful answer!”

Now why it should surprise me, I’m not sure. I think if I had to answer that question, I’d say, “The Oneg Shabbat” which, just thinking about it now as I write, was the answer I gave when someone asked me why Suzy and I come to services regularly right after I retired. Suzy said, “To listen to our cantor,” which would be my second reason.

The Jewish worship experience is not so formal as to take offense when we greet each other following the service with a hug and/or kiss. As a matter of fact, since our emphasis is far more on k’lal Yisrael, the community of Jews, we should be warm and fuzzy after sitting for an hour or so listening to brilliant words of wisdom and melodic songs and prayers. And as I’ve mentioned previously, the heart of the Jewish experience has been the same as the title of the book about the Eastern European shtetl, “Life is With People.”

So…“Amen” – Smooch!