Guidelines for Giving a Drash at Congregation Sof Maʻarav
by Sally Morgan and Fran Margulies
| When?
|
After the Torah service is complete and before Musaf.
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| How Long?
|
Ten minutes or less (Really!)
|
| Who Gives It?
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As a havurah, Sof Maʻarav depends on its own congregation and its guests to volunteer.
|
| Subject?
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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.
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| 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).
