Look what tried to slip into Rabbi Gadi’s Shabbat service on August 28. But Joshua Rakhman, who was checking proof of Covid vaccination cards that morning, stopped the interloper in its tracks. No vaccination card; no entry; no kidding. 

A praying mantis is a rare sight, however, and its presence delighted congregants attending in person that morning as well as those on Zoom, who were shown photographs of the insect climbing around the front door mezuzah and peering longingly (or so it seems) at the tallit stand in the entry hall.

Josh, who on a previous Shabbat had relocated a spider spinning an intricate web at the front door, also repositioned the mantis to a leafy location for better foraging and outdoor praying, no mask required.

Many species within the kingdom of God visit our shul, but only homo sapiens can make a minyan. Thanks to our own member and guest primates, we have enjoyed a minyan every Shabbat since the start of Covid, but there’s always room for you.                     JRakhman photo