Ask A Genius 1183: Rick’s Mixed Relationship with Synagogue
Author(s): Rick Rosner and Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Ask A Genius
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2024/11/13
*Interview conducted in November, 2024.*
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: When was the last time you went to synagogue, Rick?
Rick Rosner: The last time was for my mom’s memorial, over two years ago. Besides that, I haven’t been back. But we did watch No One Will Watch This, which is about Jews and stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody on Netflix.
Jacobsen: Why the transition from the memorial to Kristen Bell?
Rosner: Because that’s the most Jewish thing I’ve done in years. It’s a show where Kristen Bell plays a young-ish woman with a sex and dating podcast who falls in love with a rabbi, played by Adam Brody, known from The OC years ago. It was pretty good.
Jacobsen: I see. So, what do you think are the requirements for Reform Judaism in terms of synagogue attendance?
Rosner: Not much, really. You should go on the High Holy Days—Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Jacobsen: But you haven’t even gone for those lately, have you?
Rosner: No, we haven’t. The last time I went for Rosh Hashanah was decades ago. We used to attend services when we were members of a temple so that Isabella could go to Sunday school. But that was about 15 years ago.
Jacobsen: So how do you celebrate the High Holy Days outside of the synagogue?
Rosner: This year, I went to a Rosh Hashanah dinner at cousin Kenny’s house, and we said a couple of prayers.
Jacobsen: What did you pray for?
Rosner: They weren’t personal prayers; we just said blessings for the holiday.
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