Minyan On the High Seas

My husband and I recently returned from a trip to the Caribbean and among the places we visited was St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Surrounded by azure blue waters and covered in lush forest vegetation it's easy to see how St. Thomas is home to Magen's Bay, which National Geographic has called one of the 10 most beautiful beaches on earth. But what we didn't expect to find on St. Thomas was an historic Sephardic synagogue. The oldest synagogue in continuous use under the American flag, in fact.

St. Thomas Synagogue is a Sephardic Reform congregation located amid the bustling streets of Charlotte Amalie. Founded in 1833 on the site of a previous synagogue dating from 1803, the synagogue has a variety of memorable features. For instance, the four pillars supporting the synagogue's outer awning were handmade in Denmark and represent the four matriarchs of Judaism - Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. The floor of the synagogue is covered in sand, which is a Sephardic custom that commemorates how Marranos (Jews living under the Spanish Inquisition) were forced to publicly convert to Christianity, yet continued to practice their Jewish faith in secret. Because practicing Judaism was an offense punishable by death, whenever the Marranos met in household cellars they covered the floor with sand to muffle the sounds of their prayers.

Led by Rabbi Stephen Fisher Moch (a native of Connecticut - talk about an incentive to relocate for work!) the 75 family congregation has one of the coolest minyan traditions I've ever heard of. Once a year, they host a "Floating Minyan" where congregants with boats tie their vessels together, creating what they call a "Jewish Navy" for the day. Once the boats have been secured people hop from one vessel to another, enjoying each other's company and a potluck lunch. Members of the congregation without boats join in the fun too, making the event one of the most popular of the year.

I was only in St. Thomas for a day but I'm already dreaming about a return trip. Maybe I'll get lucky and return to the island when the floating minyan is taking place. Dare I hope for a guest seat?