Jerusalem Days

View of Jerusalem from the Tayelet Promenade.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself into the study of Torah is to actually go to the places that the Torah refers to. During the summer session of HUC, every Thursday is devoted to travelling throughout Jerusalem to explore the world of Abraham to the Davidic-Solomic Empire, study the reign of King Hezekiah, and learn about the outside influences that helped shape Jerusalem today.

Last week, we began our tiyul (trip) at the Tayelet, a promenade overlooking the walls of the Old City. To the left, one can view the mountains and desert of Jordan where Moses looked out into the Promised Land. Straight ahead, one can see the Dome of the Rock and Mount Moriah, where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Issac.

We continued our journey to the City of David, the early Jerusalem. Near the city, we walked in Hezekiah's Tunnel, a water tunnel that ends at the location of a pool, the Shiloach, where many individuals wash their sins away on Yom Kippur.

This week, we travelled to the First Temple Period of Jerusalem and viewed early burial and sacrificial sites. We studied in the Hinnom Valley that was practically an international highway system to the Dead Sea. We climbed up Mount Zion to the Old City to learn more about the lasting survival of Jerusalem despite its many destructions.

Next week, we'll head to Israel Museum where we will view artificats and early recordings of the history of this spiritual city. More to come!

The Art of Jewish Prayer (Week 1, Part 2)

So how does a rabbi learn all the stuff he needs to learn? Well, he prays.

I keep mentioning that I need to learn my liturgy. There are so many prayers and tunes to these prayers that I don't know, and this is the year to learn it. But, how? Well, I indeed, will pray.

Every Tuesday morning during the summer ulpan semester various faculty and adminstration leads our class in teffilah, prayer. As we learned the other day, however, we won't always actually have a "service." For example, Rabbi Michael Marmur, Dean of the Rabbinical School, spent a session on examining the prayer Modeh Ani, a prayer that thanks God for allowing us to wake up and having our souls return to us. While sleep is something that I value, our ancestors used to fear sleep because they were afraid that they would die. Nevertheless, this prayer often is sung during morning services. We examined Modeh Ani through the eyes of Abraham Joshua Heschel, a prominent rabbi and philosopher. The lesson to be learned is that our individual prayers are integrally related to those of others, and the intent of our prayers affect if they will be answered.

In addition, beginning this Wednesday, I will participate in Ritual Workshop that will focus on particular rituals in the Jewish tradition. More to come on this.

Finally ... if I don't have enough opportunities to learn liturgy, I am helping lead the Tisha B'Av service this coming Monday, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temple (and other horrible events that occurred on the 9th day of the Jewish month of Av). I have decided to audition for the High Holy Day Choir as well -I will learn the High Holy Day service, work on my voice, and possibly learn to read basic music. I am joining the Tefillah Committee to help assist in planning student-led services and events. And ... most of the class will participate in the FSU Project (Former Soviet Union), where we will travel to Russia during Pesach (Passover) to lead seders. In preparation for this project, I will learn how to lead the seder (and will learn basic Russian).

Yeah, its a lot of stuff. It will keep me busy, fresh, and ready to learn. So something tells me I might know my liturgy at the end of the year, and by the way ...

Guess what course I am taking come September? You got, it, Liturgy!

Week 1, Part 1

This weekend marks my first full month in Jerusalem - it's amazing how quickly it has passed and how much has already been done (and how much more there is to accomplish!). The greatest lesson I have learned this month is that the Rabbinical Program, especially the Year in Israel, prepares one for their lives as Jewish professionals more outside the classroom than inside the classroom. We all have challenges in our lives that tests our dignity and our capacity to overcome stressful moments. HUC is quite aware that they admitted 53 type A personalities who all at their weakest moments will clash because of their type A personalities. Yet, as a community, and as individuals, we can truly shine.

I remember during orientation how we were told that we are the "gateway" to Judaism. While many charge Reform Judaism as a faith that brings people out of tradition, in many respects we are truly allowing people in (especially those who wouldn't be as accepted in other communities, i.e. homosexuals). I have chosen a path where I am part of the future of Judaism - and with the changes that lie ahead, these challenges that I have today are great preparation for the rest of my life. Whether it be questioning whether to wear a kippah in non-kosher restaurants or supporting friends in times of need or even just learning how to recieve a discount on property tax for apartments in Jerusalem, EVERYTHING here is a lesson to be learned. Israel is going to force me to let go of attempting to control all my surroundings and sometimes just go with the flow - the Rabbinical program truly helps ground you (which is a much more exciting experience than having sand bags placed on your feet for at least 5 hours in cold lake water ... that's another story for another day, but if you know my father, you understand his unique ways of teaching me things ... but yeah, it happened, and yeah ... it really worked).

School is in full throttle (and it is funny that is actuality, it really isn't because the summer is much more laid back). Classes started last Sunday and ulpan is going well. I've been placed in Hebrew Alef, but after a fiasco about Hebrew placement it seems that there is not much of a difference between Alef and Bet, as we all scored within 10 points of each other on the placement exam. Nevertheless, I am sticking with Alef because it gives me the opportunity to re-learn old material in a different way (that is, she teaches the class in 80% Hebrew), strengthen my weaknesses, and learn new vocabulary. The teacher is absolutely wonderful and she's really wanting us to succeed - and if I work hard and study hard, I can be placed in a higher Hebrew class come fall.

Next entry: All about Teffilah (prayer) and Jerusalem Days (with pictures borrowed from friends, because my camera isn't working!)

And finally part 3 (if needed): Extra Curriculars

Shabbat in Jerusalem

Every Shabbat in Jerusalem is very much the same, yet very different. Around 4 PM every Friday Jerusalem suddenly just stops. There are few cars in the road, stores are closed, and there is this level of peacefulness that emerges. Shabbat here is truly a day of rest - a halt from the mundane reality of things.

This Shabbat was very HUC-filled. On Friday, we arrived early to have a pre-Shabbat seminar with Rabbi Kelman, the Year in Israel Director. We explored major sections of the Torah that referenced Shabbat and discussed and examined the little description their is about this sacred day. We then proceeded to one of the gardens on campus in smaller groups to share our Shabbat memories. Perhaps one of my favorite memories is very recent - in April, my 7th grade Religious School class led services. Rather than present a D'var Torah (sermon), the students came to the bimah ("stage") and stated why they were Jewish. Many of them expressed their reasons without stating the age-old answer: because my parents are. Hearing 13 year old verbalize their connection to Judaism has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in the Jewish world.

Following the activity, we attended services and a dinner sponsored by an HUC alumnus. It's been an alumni filled week here, as the President of the College, Board of Trustees, and influential alumni have been present in our orientation. On Saturday morning, services were held in the Blaustein Hall, a huge conference/event hall overlooking the Old City. Not only is the view amazing (I will take a picture eventually and post it), but it was such a spiritual experience to attend services with a background such as the Old City.

My Shabbat afternoon was quite relaxing - I talked to my parents, organized my room, took a walk, and napped before we had a Havdallah reception (with gelato ice cream I might add).

School starts tomorrow - my lunch is packed, notebook is in my bookbag, and I'm ready to learn! I'll let you know how it goes in the next couple days....

PJ

Finding a Teffilat Ha Derech

The final session of my first day of orientation was a group activity in which we explored three different accounts of the Teffilat Ha Derech ("The Traveler's Prayer") , a prayer recited by one who is on a personal journey. A version of this prayer is below:

May it be Your will, Hashem, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May You send blessing in our handywork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who hears prayer.

After discussing each version of each prayer we were asked to write our own:

God give me the strength to overcome my fears, the courage to act with dignity, and the opportunity to embrace and enjoy my journey.

This mantra, while short, truly reminded me of how much I have learned from my family. Mom, Dad, and Austin - I miss you every day, and while you are not here, our table talk discussions still are part of my life :)

Yesterday, the Vice President of Strategic Planning came to talk with our group. He emphasized the fact that each of us has something unique to share, and that our education at HUC will fill in the blanks of things we don't know. HUC President David Ellenson reminded us that we will have to work hard, but to choose this journey is a blessing.

I am being taught by some amazing people, and am working with pioneers in Jewish life. Whether it be stateside where I will learn from famous Judaic scholars, or here in Jerusalem where the Director of the Year in Israel Program was the first Women Progressive Rabbi in Israel and is related to the individual who made the deciding vote of the Columbus Platform (through Reform history, there have been various platforms that outline the theology of the Reform Movement), I am becoming part of an elite group who embraces Judaism in a way I have never been exposed to.

We also found out yesterday that the Cincinnati Campus is undergoing a 12 million dollar renovation for a new, state of the art library that will be completed in two years. Technologically, video courses will allow students to have access to scholars that they might now otherwise. Beginning in September, students will have access to various Hebrew wordprocessing databases, Biblical databases that allows you to search for words, phrases, or ideas, and it tells you how many times it appears in the Bible.

This weekend will be a special one. Alumni are in town and will be joining us for Shabbat at HUC. I'll fill you in later.

PJ

You are the Gateway to Judaism

As I participated in Shacharit Services this morning and for the first time the entire HUC class of 2012 (Rabbis, Cantors, and Jewish Educators) chanted the Shehekeyanu, I got goosebumps. It was made clear to us throughout today that we are embarking on an adventure - it is our responsibility to embrace this journey and soak in everything that comes our way.

The Rabbinical Program at HUC is not only a seminary, but also a professional and graduate school. These elements are encompassed by our immersion to the Hebrew language, participation in Israel (through text study, field trips, and community service), workshops (Reform Jewish Liturgy, leading services, chanting Torah, and writing a sermon), and exploration of history (Rabbinic Literature, Jewish Thought).

On Sunday, I begin my immersion program to the Hebrew language. I was told that there was no way I would be fluent in Hebrew at the end of the year, simply because I will be learning so many different "Hebrews:" Modern, Ancient, Rabbinic, Liturgical ... the list goes on. My immersion to Hebrew will never end - it is a lifetime experience.

Nevertheless, I have been placed in Hebrew Alef, so the only direction I can go in my Hebrew ability is up. While it will be no less difficult than the other levels, it starts you from the beginning and you have plenty of space to improve.

In addition to my Ulpan, I will attend a "My Israel" Series where Israeli Rabbinic Students talk about their experiences in Israel and the Progressive Jewish Movement. On next Thursday, I will travel to the Tayelet, a Promenade with a view of the Old City that's amazing. In addition, I will go to Warren's Shaft and Hezekiah's Tunnel, both locations which played a role in early Israel Monarchy...

So yeah...I am kinda excited :)

More to come!

PJ

The Journey Formally Begins Today

Well, it is safe to say that I have internet in my new apartment and the only thing left is to set up Vonage and get that working. It is extremely nice though to wake up and be able to check e-mail!

For the remainder of the week, I have a formal orientation to HUC and the Year in Israel Program. I'll learn more about the adventure to come and school will officially be in session. Sunday begins ulpan, and I really am hoping to be placed in Hebrew Alef, the first level, not because it will be easier than the other levels, but Hebrew Alef teachers are known to be the best and students are known to demonstrate the most improvement. I'll also begin to explore Jerusalem more in depth next week, going to sites where Jewish history still is vibrant.

I'll update more later, I'm off to morning services!

PJ

Transition: It Can Be A Blessing

Things have been quite hectic and overwhelming lately here in Israel, but at the same time quite amazing and spiritually uplifting.

This past weekend I spent my first Shabbat in Israel, and it was during this Shabbat that I learned of an even broader range of practice within Reform Judaism. "Progressive" Judaism, as Israelis call it, incorporates many dynamics of more traditional religious practice (i.e. the use of no power on Shabbat, eating Kosher, and demonstrating a clear division of the service itself with prayers that I had never been exposed to). My classmates as well range from individuals who have grown up using their cell phones on Shabbat to those who keep Shabbat as if they were Orthodox. My point is not to separate my classmates or Israelis from what I am used to, but to stress that the great thing about Reform Judaism is that one can define their faith the way they feel is best.

Sunday I moved into my new apartment - things have been stressful as I am still trying to get internet (I am using wireless at a friend's house as we speak), making my room feel more at home, and buying the essentials for my home for the year. I hope that within another week or so I will have everything set up - including Vonage! Nevertheless, things are falling into place.

One of the biggest struggles that I will have is learning the liturgy. There are so many prayers that I don't know, and I definitely feel that I need to catch up. There are morning services at HUC almost every day and I am slowly understanding the format. We are using the new Mishkan Teffilah prayer book which is awesome! The good news is this: I am working with a fifth year rabbinical school student who is serving as an intern to help ease the transition to Israel. She is going to be teaching me some of the liturgy. Also, one of my classes beginning in Sept. is Liturgy - I will learn Orthodox, Conversative, and Reform structure of services and prayers and by then I'll be set!

School/Orientation officially begins next Tuesday....more details to come on what I will be doing for the next two months.

Talk to you soon!

PJ