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ometimes it feels like the only people who get recognition in shul are the rabbi, the chazzanim, and the president. Today we salute you, the unsung heroes of our shuls. Here are my top five unsung heroes of the synagogue:

Shul Security Chairman

Standing outside of the entrance to many shuls is a brave member, often wearing an orange vest or intimidating sunglasses, ensuring the safety of all those inside. Ask him what he does for a living. “Accountant during the week. Counter-terrorism on weekends.” This individual deserves a code-red level of gratitude for keeping
us safe.

Pesichah Coordinator

Nothing has the potential to induce more anxiety than being called up for pesichah with an unfamiliar aron kodesh. So, I pull this way? Does this lever do anything? Without proper guidance you can find yourself entangled upside down, gently swaying back and forth in front of the sifrei Torah. Thankfully, there is the pesichah coordinator, who stands at the side kindly directing guests where to pull and push.

Grape Juice Pourer

You can tell a lot about a shul by where it hides its grape juice. Sometimes it’s under a shtender, usually it’s under the bimah, but wherever this delicious grape elixir resides, a shul needs a designated pourer who sets up for Kiddush and Havdalah. As kids circle around waiting for the kos shel brachah, this is the person who makes sure there’s enough to go around.

Kiddush Captain

Every shul has one hero who, from the moment he arrives in shul, is ready to don his apron and set up for the shul Kiddush. His weapon is not the sword, but the spatula, as he carefully doles out Yerushalmi kugel to everyone on line. Great Kiddush Captains may also marshal a young Kiddush Army of children who help set up the Kiddush. Sure, they look cute. But don’t cross them or you won’t be getting any kishke.

Shtender Placer

Shtenders don’t move themselves. Before any derashah, scholar in residence, lecture, or announcement, you can count on The Shtender Placer to magically materialize and just as quickly as he appeared, he vanishes (sometimes momentarily reappearing to deliver a cup of water). He may not be the hero shuls deserve, but he’s the hero every shul needs.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 698)