People will contribute time when needed. A kosher Bar or Bat Mitzvah in a small, relatively isolated Jewish community is a complicated task. I know from living elsewhere how in large, predominately Jewish communities, many anxious parents find planning this event overwhelming. In a small Jewish community, without many sources of Kosher food, it should be worse. Yet, somehow in Oklahoma City, at Emanuel Synagogue, we face up to it, do it, and do it well.
Volunteers are the reason.
Besides our professional staff, the facilities are readied by volunteers, some who repair toilets and lights, some who watch over the building's security, some who organize the services, and others who do whatever else it takes to create a successful affair. Even the education of our children is primarily dependent upon volunteer congregants. During the past months, while some of our children have taken on responsibilities of a Jewish life, many congregants have demonstrated what it means to lead a Jewish life. I haven't seen you in awhile. In the good old days, things were better.