The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

Nobody ever said being a rabbi would be easy.

However, I never thought among my duties would be the role of "Barista-Bouncer".

Oy, the trials and tribulations of the rabbi.

Once upon a time, a Shul- and I use the word literally, namely, the room designated for davening, prayer, Tefillah- as opposed to the edifice itself, which can include the lobby, library, and classrooms- was sacred, Kadosh, a room to be approached with reverence, awe, Yirah and treated with the utmost respect.

This is how the Shulchan Aruch defines the Beis HeKeneses.

"One should not eat or drink in the Shul…" (SA: OC:151:1- see notes and Mishna Berura for details).

In fact, the Shulchan Aruch says one should not even enter a Shul to avoid the rain or the heat.

Clearly, the Shulchan Aruch felt the Beis HeKeneses, a place where we come to speak to Hashem, should be treated with reverence and utmost respect.

Imagine you were granted an audience to plead a life and death case (and I mean your own life!) in front of the judge who was empowered to grant you a reprieve.

The appointed time arrives, and you realize you haven't had your morning cup of joe.

So on your way to the courtroom, you stop off at your local Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, or the lobby of your local Shul, and you procure a hot cup of caffeine-infused hot water and confidently and shamelessly enter the judge's chambers to plead for your life (and the live's of your brethren who remain hostage in some underground dungeon in Gaza).

You are juggling your hot cup of java along with your legal papers.

Can you imagine such insolence?

Can the need for the brew justify your brazenness and contempt of court?

Can the mocha monkey on your back allow you to lose sight of your stated goal of saving your life?

Well, my friends, that's exactly what I have been observing in Shul these last few months.

Now, mind you, I know with certainty that no one is intentionally showing disrespect and contempt to the ultimate judge.

However, the feeling of heimsiskeit, of feeling "at home" in the Shul, has led some caffeine cravers to bring their morning dependence on their favorite Americano straight into the judge's personal chambers!

Yes, I kid you not; the last few months have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people on both sides of the Mechitza who have been spotted bringing their morning dark roast straight into the Shul.

I have observed coffee consumption during Pesukei D" Zimra and even Chazaras HaShatz!

So, to my beloved fellow Shul goers, I have a simple request and message:

"The Cup Stops Here!"

Beginning this Shabbos, you will see a sign posted outside the Main Shul reminding us all,

"No coffee in the Shul!"

Period

Enjoy your morning fix outside of the Shul!