Traditionally, a gabbai (literally “collector”) has been a lay leader in the synagogue community, acting as a kind of treasurer, ritual leader, and community caretaker, all rolled into one.
At Beth El, our gabbaim recruit and organize the prayer leaders for every Shabbat and holiday service. They assign aliyot, stand beside Torah readers, and make sure that our community welcomes newcomers and acknowledges milestones in the lives of its members.
Standing on the bimah and keeping the service running, gabbaim are some of the quiet pillars of our community.
If you would like to lead services, or have communications for the gabbaim as a group, please email Bernie Fischer.
If you would like an honor at services or have a special life cycle event to be recognized with an honor at services, please email the gabbaim at aliyot@betheldurham.org.
