A Project of the “Stop The Talking In Shul” Movement
The “Stop The Talking In Shul” Movement has attained global acclaim for its legendary activities to spread and enhance Kevod Bais Hakneses. Through its efforts, tens of thousands of individuals in hundreds of shuls around the world have undertaken not to talk during davening and increase their devotion to heartfelt tefillah. Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbonim have praised the movement’s efforts and the success of its work.
Not resting on its laurels, the movement has undertaken a new initiative – “Quiet Around The World” – a global initiative for quiet and respect in shuls. It is the hope and wish of the organization that on Shabbos Parshas Shoftim, this August 17-18, countless shuls around the globe will join the movement and initiate a strengthening of their no talking in shul commitment. That Shabbos coincides with vov Elul, the yahrtzeit of the Tosfos Yom Tov, zt”l. It is his famous mishaberach, asking Hashem to bestow blessings and mercy upon those who keep quiet in shul, that has been the catalyst for this movement.
In a compelling publicity campaign leading up to the “Quiet Around The World” Shabbos, the organization’s leaders have asked people to “make the kabbalah that will change your life”, offering to send beautiful hard cover Artscroll Hebrew English siddurim to all who make the pledge to stop talking in shul. The purpose of the initiative is to help the tzibur better understand the words that they are davening, and focus more on their tefillos. Requests should be emailed to [email protected].
Over the past years, the movement has sponsored meaningful and momentous commemorations on the Tosfos Yom Tov yahrtzeit. These included a historic mission to the kever of the Tosfos Yom Tov in 2016, and a Seudas Hisorerus attended by thousands in 2017. These events made a lasting impression on the participants and many others who were zoche to be part of these efforts for Klal Yisroel.
Another recent development was the plan to open shuls across the country – those who pledge to uphold the standards that have become the mission of the movement. The shuls will be named Heichal Tosfos Yom Tov, perpetuating the name and legacy of the Tosfos Yom Tov, zt”l. The first of these shuls is Khal Ben Avrohom Minsk in Boro Park, under the leadership of its esteemed Rov, HoRav Yisroel Wosner, shlita, and Khal Yesod Yosef in Inwood, under the leadership of Harav Simcha Bondi shlita. The name Heichal Tosfos Yom Tov has been added to these shuls in recognition of their devotion to proper tefillah.
A leader of the Stop the Talking in Shul movement commented “this shul is the model of what is to come, and the engine that will energize the establishment of such shuls throughout the country. Khal Ben Avrohom Heichal Tosfos Yom Tov shows how regular people can raise themselves to a lofty level of proper davening and decorum in shul. Adding the Tosfos Yom Tov name has helped bring that great Tzaddik’s brochos and spirit into the shul. Our hope is that every shul will emulate their great example and commit to reestablishing their shul in this manner. It is painful to see that people “play with fire” by talking during davening. There are great yeshuos guaranteed for those who keep quiet. It is the hope of the Stop the Talking in Shul movement that all shuls throughout the country and throughout the world are zoche to join this movement and live its message.”
In the near future, the movement plans to expand its activities with a series of large gatherings throughout the country. These seminars will feature some of the Jewish world’s most prominent speakers, conveying hisorerus on the subject, and providing a vivid explanation of the tefillos meanings and impact, and understanding Pirush Hamillos. Their thoughts will be conveyed by satellite, and also promoted through a series of educational advertisements in the Jewish media.
The organization sponsors a popular website www.stopthetalking.org, which features countless video Shiurim and informative material on this important topic. For assistance, guidance, and available speakers on this subject, please contact the Stop The Talking in Shul Movement at [email protected].
