The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

KLOP- Yiddish

Definition:

1-   v. To knock in order to call attention.

     2- n. A bang, hit, blow.

The man was so excited as he awoke in the morning.

He was up and about and keen on doing his Chessed project.

It was Rosh Chodesh, and he knew that the regular Chiyuvim (mourners) who generally lead the davening were precluded from doing so because of the semi-holiday of Rosh Chodesh.

Therefore, our well-meaning fellow was determined to be at the Minyan well before the 6 AM starting time.

He wanted to make sure the Minyan would start on time as he knew those who attended that Minyan had places to go and people to meet.

(Editor’s note: Yes, there still are those men who “go in” to work and don’t work virtually from home in their PJs)

As he entered the Shul, he met another fellow leaving from the first Minyan (Vasikin), which began at 5:01.

He thought it strange that the Minyan had concluded on Rosh Chodesh by 5:50; however, he figured this one fellow had left the Minyan early.

No doubt he had a valid excuse for leaving before the end of Davening.

He arrived at the Beis Medrash at 5:56 and quickly approached the Amud to make sure davening began at 6 on the button.

As he davened, he wondered how he should do Hallel?

Should he sing any of the paragraphs?

Should he also daven Mussaf?

Finally, Shmoneh Esrei was beginning, and our friend noticed that the regular gabbai who usually “Klops” (bangs) to signal the addition of Yaleh V”Yavoh- had not given the expected bang.

Not wishing everyone to forget Yaleh V”Yavoh, our friend not only played Chazzan, he took it upon himself to be the Klopper as well!

He proudly gave two loud KLOPS, indicating to all, “Don’t forget Yaleh V”Yavoh!

He was feeling very proud of himself, after all, only he had remembered that today was Rosh Chodesh.

How or why the epiphany took hold of him, he does not know.

However, somewhere between the third and fifth Brocha of his private Shmoneh Asrei, our well-meaning Chazzan realized that tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh- and today is “just” Friday.

He did not say Yaleh V’Yavoh, and he proceeded after Chazaras HaShatz to move on to Tachanun.

However, he now realized that not only had he given a “false-Klop” that may have caused others to add on (incorrectly) Yaleh V’Yavoh, but he had also taken the Amud away from those who legitimately were entitled to it, namely the Aveilim.

What should he do now?

Realizing his mistake, he contemplated what to do.

He could continue to daven the rest of the davening and pretend nothing happened.

However, that would further deprive the Aveilim of their rightful position at the Amud.

So, red-faced and apologetic after Tachanun, he turned to the Minyan and asked Mechilla for giving a false KLOP and also apologetically asked for one of the Aveilim to take their rightful place at the Amud.

As the Chiyuv walked towards his rightful place at the Amud, I quickly returned to my seat, abashed and flustered yet determined to be more mindful of the correct calendar day going forward.