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| - Twelve or thirteen years ago, when we first moved to Vegas, we checked out this temple. We were hoping for a good match, since it's so close to our home. It wasn't. The building was barren and the Rabbi was a pompous egomaniac. We're not religious and not big into organized religion but, you know...
Then we did a stint at the Conservative temple in Summerlin, attending Friday night services very occasionally, because it was a hoot - the Mexican rabbi and the then-cantor would do shtick, and it was pure entertainment. But nothing ever stays the same. After the cantor left, the iciness and cliquey lack of friendliness of the congregation was palpable, and there was no reason ever to go again. I don't think anyone ever spoke to us, and we're not shy.
At Temple Sinai we attended a brief service during recent High Holy Days, and saw a building that had been renovated into a beautiful facility, complete with a new name. The old Rabbi was history, and the spot was now filled by a young British bloke. Even the congregants seemed more open.
At that time we noticed that in December there was going to be a get-together that we thought would be interesting, and thinking that it was time to expand our social circle, we went. We were delighted by the friendliness, and encouraged to attend a Friday night service.
This past Friday, we did just that, and it was lovely. The Sanctuary was all modern, light woods and contemporary stained glass. Two monitors projected page numbers, song lyrics, and some Hebrew, along with transliterations, on a pleasing purple background. Lots of English, helpful for those untutored in Hebrew, and a guitarist accompanying both familiar and new melodies added to the joyful atmosphere. The cantor-soloist has a beautiful voice, a gratifying change from the operatic voices usually possessed by female cantors. And the rabbi's sermon was short!
At the traditional reception after the service, called the Oneg (not to be confused with a blood type!), we met more friendly and welcoming people, while snacking on coffee, cookies, cake, and fruit salad. And they even had high-test coffee, instead of the decaf-only at most temples populated by all those kvetchy old Jews whose lips are never violated by caffeine after 12:00 noon lest they "never sleep."
While we may not become regulars, we look forward to participating in more activities at this delightful house of worship, where there is something for everyone!
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