<HTML>Seth Kadish correctly noted that the problem is not unique to schools nor
to any particular segment of the community. There are a number of
suggestions that can be offered as a start, but in this forum I will be
brief.
1-Smaller prayer groups allow for greater control of the environment and
setting the appropriate tone.
2-Tefilla groups in schools should feel free to be creative, as are
Beginner's Services, as they are part of a child's education. This
creativity can include omitting certain paragraphs, pausing during
tefillah for explanations, use of audio, visual or other aids to create the
proper atmosphere for tefillah.
3-Tefillah education teaches students to function in shuls, emphasizing
proper reading, diction and "Jewish calisthenics" (i.e., when to sit,
stand, bow, take three steps, pound the chest, hop, cover the eyes, etc.).
An equal amount of time and effort should be spent on creating the sense
of encounter with the Divine - clearly a more difficult but no less
important task. Included in this can be open and frank discussions - not
lectures - on belief in God, the role God plays in our lives, and whether
prayer is possible even if one is unsure regarding issues of faith.
Rabbi Zvi Grumet</HTML>
