Cantor Kohn: What does it mean to belong to a place and to a community?

This article first appeared in our October '26 edition of The Bulletin

What does it mean to belong to a place and to a community? I struggled with this idea when I took my first full time cantorial position in Houston, TX. I grew up in Illinois, spent time in NYC and Jerusalem for seminary, yet Houston was a mystery to me. An astute congregant noticed my bewilderment and arranged for me to attend a college football game, telling me that this experience would allow me to understand this place that was to be my new home. I did learn many things about Texas culture that afternoon. The enduring lesson was about belonging.

Rice University was playing Texas A&M. Both schools were well represented by their fans, as evidenced by the team colors and jerseys displayed. All were clearly enthusiastic in their support of their team during pregame activities. But I noticed something curious as the singing of the national anthem concluded. While half of the crowd sat, a large number of people in A&M gear did not. They stood at their seats, attention riveted on the field. Curious, I asked what was going on.

Long ago, at an A&M game, the team was low on players. The bench was so depleted, that the last eleven players were on the field and one of them became injured. Without a full team, the game would forfeit to A&M’s opponent. At that moment, a student from the stands ran to the field, put the hurt player’s helmet on his head, and played the rest of the game. Honor preserved.

Ever since, every student, present and former, stands at the ready throughout the game to be the 12th person, should their team need them. Each of those folks in the stands sees themselves as an important member of the community. They are connected to their school, their team, and to one another in their willingness to take the field when needed. They see themselves as active participants, not simply fans.

I showed up. They came and were invested in the game.

This image has become a powerful reminder of what belonging can look like.

There is an old Jewish tale about a town that had 10 Jewish men. Every one of them faithfully went to shul every day because without each of them, there would be no minyan. Without a minyan, the required quorum, certain prayers, including Kaddish, could not be said. Then new families moved in. And suddenly, there was not a minyan at services. Once the men no longer felt needed, they quit coming as regularly.

What would our CBE community look and feel like if we saw ourselves as those people at the football game who didn’t wait to be asked. How might we feel about ourselves, if we realize that we are needed and responsible to and for each other? Luckily, there are lots of ways to stand up. We can’t all be on the football team, as it were. So find something that feeds your passion and your interest. Show up, and see yourself as part of this grand enterprise called Judaism. Imagine what your support, your gifts, your ideas, your enthusiasm can add to your community and to your own life.

May this new year of 5787 be one of joy and purpose. May it also be one of belonging. See you at the game!