Guidelines for Giving a Drash at Congregation Sof Maʻarav

Published June 4, 2025 | By Lynley Shimat Lys

by Sally Morgan and Fran Margulies

When?

After the Torah service is complete and before Musaf.

How Long?

Ten minutes or less (Really!)

Who Gives It?

As a havurah, Sof Maʻarav depends on its own congregation and its guests to volunteer.

Subject?

A response to the Torah portion of that Shabbat (but not necessarily of the shorter triennial portion we chant that morning). Or – to the Haftarah for that Shabbat, or – to a yearly cycle holiday.

– Research is encouraged. Creative response is welcome. Personal anecdote enriches the drosh.

– Political advocacy is not welcome.

– Editing is essential! Ten minutes is short. We ask droshers to get to their point quickly and stay with it; we rent our space from the Unitarian Church only until 1pm, and they expect us to leave on time.

– Help and guidance is freely offered to potential droshers by the drosh chair or other experienced members.

Who Assigns?

Drash assignments are made by the Drosh Chair following Sof guidelines.

*drash = dʻvar torah = midrash = commentary. (Midrash, capital M, also refers to specific compilations of Halacha and Oral Law).

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