As a traveler and minyan seeker, you know only your own schedule, delays
and time allowances for security clearance or re-clearance. You also know
times of peak travel and the extent of systemic delays due to weather or other
factors.
If you are looking for a minyan, head for the nearest newsstand. If you
can tell that a minyan won’t be put together, and you have time, head for the
next newsstand that’s closer to security. In the event of a particularly long
wait, you may want to head for the newsstand in the central hub of the airport
or station.
If you are already part of an obvious or self-contained minyan such as a
tour group and you want to daven at your gate or platform, appoint someone to
stand at the nearest newsstands to direct others to join you.
If you have a regular minyan established, appoint someone to direct newcomers
from the newsstand(s)to your minyan. In deciding to establish a seasonal or
permanent minyan location other than next to the newsstand, please have in mind the
varied schedules of travelers who might not otherwise be able to participate. Also
bear in mind that just like shul, an unfamiliar traveler who is anxious to find a
minyan may be more in need of saying Kaddish.
If you cannot locate a minyan because of location, e.g. a small sub-terminal
or a baggage claim area, think midpoint. You will have to use your imagination and
that of other daveners here. Consider these two examples:
After you clear security, the terminal splits into A and B sections, with no
minyan in sight at A’s newsstand. You should head for the dividing point
between A & B on the assumption that B’s newsstand is similarly unproductive.
You are in baggage or car rental area, with no newsstand. Head for the middle
position.
This will take some time to take root. But it will certainly be an improvement
on calling out to passersby and getting blank stares. If you have any suggestions or
other notes to share, please email Donald Hornstein by clicking here.
In Memory of Ben
In