One in a Minyan: Memoirs of a Son’s Year in Mourning

One in a Minyan is a collection of stories about the dedication and determination of a son to say Kaddish for his father. After the death of his father, the author sets out on a quest to learn all he can about Judaism, customs, observances, and holidays to honor his father in a proper Jewish manner while at the same time attempting to overcome the challenges, conflicts, and struggles of his everyday life.

This journey was a difficult one for the author who considered himself to be an average Conservative Jewish American. It was not his journey alone. It entailed a change not only to his lifestyle, but the lifestyle of his entire family as well. Restrictions and time limits that were never present before suddenly appeared.

As difficult as the day-to-day lifestyle changes became, there were certain minyans that stood out. They were true tests of dedication. There were times during the year when unplanned things just happened. Things you just cannot avoid which prevent you from getting to a minyan ... unless ... you really make it your business to not let anyone or anything get in your way.

These are the stories in this book. Some are funny and some are sad but all are true. Join the author on this journey as he becomes One in a Minyan.

Steven Ezratty is the child of two holocaust survivors and grew up in a conservative Jewish household. He is a Vice President at an international financial firm. He is an active participant in the Jewish community. He and his lovely wife have two children and reside in New Jersey.