Purim '08: Rabbinical Writers Guild Strike Continues

Lucky Strike: Rabbinic writers walk the picket line (from right to left), demanding more time for Sisterhood announcements at the end of shul.

Lucky Strike: Rabbinic writers walk the picket line (from right to left), demanding more time for Sisterhood announcements at the end of shul.

by Jewish Week Staff

New York — The Hollywood writer’s guild strike has come and gone, but sermon writers are still picketing, leaving rabbis speechless for over 10 months and congregants overjoyed.

“Synagogue is a joy to attend. The service is much faster,” stated Aaron Klein, member of Congregation Ahavas Shluf. “The rabbi’s non-speaking has inspired our whole community.”

There has been widespread support for the strike by congregants and lay leaders, including the Candy Man’s Guild, the Gabbai’s Guild and the Schnorrer’s Guild of America.

Hailing the strike as one of the few instances of solidarity among Orthodox, Conservative and Reform worshippers, a spokesman for the three denominations noted that “Reform congregants don’t have to hear about Tikkun Olam, Conservative attendees don’t have to hear about how

the movement is really thriving, and Orthodox worshippers don’t have to hear why everyone should move to Israel — except the rabbi.”

There has been no word yet on what will happen if the strike goes into the High Holy Day season, known in the industry as “Weeps Weak.” But sources among the congregations say they are hopeful no agreement will be reached in time.

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