I just got back from my tiyul in the Galilee and Golan on Tuesday night. It was a wonderful, but exhausting trip!
We started on trip on Sunday morning and travelled to Rosh Pina, one of the first settlements within Northern Israel that encompassed the concept of the "New Jew," which served as our theme during the trip. The "New Jew" represented a shift from tradition to modernity in many respects. No longer was a Jew defined as a yeshiva student who studied Torah all day, but an agriculturalist and farmer who wanted to be strong, assertive, and could overcome anything.
After Rosh Pina, we travelled to the Jordan River where went rafting and had the water fight of the century with fellow classmates and Israelis. Fortunately it wasn't the class 5 rapids I was used to, because the water fight was fun!
We ended our day at Karei Deshe, our Youth Hostel that overlooked the Kinneret, where 1/3 of our drinking water in Israel comes from. The view was gorgeous and the hostel was actually a decent sleeping accommodation!
On Day Two, we went to Tel Dan, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Israel that is overseen by HUC. This site show remnants of worship and sacrifice, and also there was an inscription found that indicated a connection to the "House" or Kingdom of David.
Afterwards, we travelled to a beautiful overlook of the Galilee/Golan, Lebanon and Syria. There, we began to truly talk about the political and security situation of the North. It was quite surreal to be that close to these border countries that have caused so much damage, but I must say that I felt safer up North than I do in Jerusalem. Up north, it was quiet and peaceful and there was no sign of damage from the events of last year. In Jerusalem, while overall a safe place to be right now, you still have this feeling of tension and concern of safety.
Then, we spent a lot of time discussing the pros and cons of individuals staying in the Golan and not giving up the land for peace. The more and more I talk about these issues, the more confused I get and the more unsure I am about what I feel. Monday night, we had a barbeque at our hostel and sung Israeli songs by the Kinneret.
On Tuesday, we travelled to Tel Hai, a national monument that commemorates the deaths of eight Jews, six men and two women. The fighters who were killed symbolized the determination of the Jewish people and inspired others to help fight against the conflict with the Arabs. In addition, we went to Metulla, where I literally was right next to the border line of Israel and Lebanon. We learned that any area that is green with trees in Israel, and beyond the green is Lebanon.
We ended our trip with a stop at the Naot Factory where I bought some sandals and shoes, and also at the Kinneret Cemetary, where we had mincha services and saw some of the grave sites of major players in the emergence of the New Jew movement.
Overall, it was a great trip and very educational. I promise to post pictures soon!
PJ
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Yom Kippur in Jerusalem
I woke up early last Friday morning and decided to treat myself to breakfast before things closed for both Shabbat and Yom Kippur. While stores and restaurants were open, it was clear as I walked throughout Downtown Jerusalem that everyone was already preparing themselves for Yom Kippur. Many restaurants and stores usually open prior to Shabbat were closed, and the usual feel of an American Saturday morning and afternoon (that is the best way to describe Fridays in Israel) was not present.
As the day progressed, the city became even quieter and cars driving on the street began to disappear. I had a wonderful pre-fast dinner at my friends' apartment, and come 5:00 last Friday, everything had shut down. As I prayed with my friends and visitors in Blaustein Hall that overlooked the Old City, the transition from daylight to moonlight helped put me in the introspective mood. By the end of the service, it was evident that Yom Kippur, even with our 8 hour reprieve between evening and morning services, was truly one, long day that was symbolized by our seeking atonement from and at one ment with God.
After services, I walked home only to find the streets of Jerusalem empty of cars but filled with people of all ages - adults singing, children riding their bikes, only what could be described as a "block party" to help pass the time. I woke up the next morning and felt a breeze that could only be a glimpse of fall weather (since then, I wake up to the glazing sun and the sweat that quickly develops on my t-shirt), and attended services. As the day progressed, my fast became quiet difficult. I was exhausted and began to develop a hunger headache. At concluding services, I had the opportunity to blow my shofar (yes, I bought a shofar, and I can blow it!) and quickly break the fast with my friends.
The feel of Yom Kippur was quite different than that of the states. Was it more meaningful? Maybe. But what I do know is that was an amazing opportunity to experience it in Israel!
PJ
As the day progressed, the city became even quieter and cars driving on the street began to disappear. I had a wonderful pre-fast dinner at my friends' apartment, and come 5:00 last Friday, everything had shut down. As I prayed with my friends and visitors in Blaustein Hall that overlooked the Old City, the transition from daylight to moonlight helped put me in the introspective mood. By the end of the service, it was evident that Yom Kippur, even with our 8 hour reprieve between evening and morning services, was truly one, long day that was symbolized by our seeking atonement from and at one ment with God.
After services, I walked home only to find the streets of Jerusalem empty of cars but filled with people of all ages - adults singing, children riding their bikes, only what could be described as a "block party" to help pass the time. I woke up the next morning and felt a breeze that could only be a glimpse of fall weather (since then, I wake up to the glazing sun and the sweat that quickly develops on my t-shirt), and attended services. As the day progressed, my fast became quiet difficult. I was exhausted and began to develop a hunger headache. At concluding services, I had the opportunity to blow my shofar (yes, I bought a shofar, and I can blow it!) and quickly break the fast with my friends.
The feel of Yom Kippur was quite different than that of the states. Was it more meaningful? Maybe. But what I do know is that was an amazing opportunity to experience it in Israel!
PJ
Friday, September 14, 2007
Shanah Tovah
It's hard to believe that I have already completed 25% of my first year of Rabbinical school. It's hard to believe that I am learning new things and new ways to study things I've learned before. It's hard to believe that this year is so different from last. A year ago I was a senior in college, frantically working on a Bachelor's Essay that I couldn't seem to find structure to. I was "playing" rabbi at the local synagogue, assisting with programming throughout the High Holy Days, and served a similar role at the Hillel as Religious and Cultural Chair. I was preparing to retake the GRE, and I had just recieved my application packet to HUC.
Now, I am in Jerusalem. I am a first year rabbinical school student and I still am amazed at the many things I am learning and will learn. I am finding new ways of examining things that I have in the past, and developing and idea of what my Reform Judaism is.
This week, in preparation for the High Holy Days, we had a three day program that provided us with an overview of S'lichot, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. My relationship to these days have dramatically changed over the past couple weeks, and this program seemed to be the icing on the cake. While I have never observed S'lichot (the days, or month (depending on if you are Ashkenazic or Sephardic) leading up to the High Holy Days), I always find myself doing a lot of reflecting right before the new year. I look at who I am, where I have been, and I what I hope to become in the future. S'lichot always falls immediately during the beginning of the new year, which seems most appropriate because I always find myself readjusting to the world around me when I go back to school.
And now, as we are now in the midst of Rosh Hashanah, I attended services with such a different lens this year. Much of the program I participated in earlier in the week was related to the understanding of the liturgy and scriptural readings themselves. As my professors described to me what was included, what was taken out, the difference in melodies, and most importantly, the meaning behind each prayer, I began to think about the ways that I would like to make these days important to me, especially during a service. HUC services are the most American-Reform style services in town, using the prayerbooks that I have become so accustomed to. Yet, every time I go, the service becomes more and more familiar as I learn its structure, but more and more foreign as I realize the complexity behind the prayer. Everything is in Hebrew, with the exception of the sermon, so the responsive readings I have come to know are no longer part of the service. Do I find this a good thing, or do I find it a bad thing? Well, it's complicated. In my opinion, these readings, if we use too much of them, can become repetitive and take away from the meaning of the prayer. Yet, if you take them out, you are at risk for the congregation to not be able to have meaningful prayer as well. In a more practical sense, the role of the Rabbi dramatically changes as well. Over the past two days, the Rabbi barely participated in the service up until the sermon. The cantor and the choir guided the congregation in prayer. While the music of the prayer is gorgeous and it's wonderful to hear the cantor and choir, I feel that it takes away from congregant participation. As a future rabbi, and Jewish professional, I really want to be able to explore the balance in roles, where all parties can have a meaningful prayer experience.
Nevertheless, it was quite powerful to see some of my friends have their solos and empower us with Avinu Malkeinu. In addition, I prayed looking directly at the Old City - an opportunity that I will rarely have once I leave Israel. I was able to have some sense of "family" here, attending a dinner with many friends on Erev Rosh Hashanah and lunch yesterday. The city itself is as dead as it is on Shabbat - stores are closed, and it's much easier to cross the street!
Next week, I'll have another full week of classes before Yom Kippur. This sacred day is apparently intensified in Jersualem. While small 24 hour stores can be found open during Rosh Hashanah and you still can see cars on the road, Yom Kippur brings Jerusalem to a halt - you can't get away from the Day of Atonement, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the most sacred day of the year in the most sacred place in the world.
After Yom Kippur, I head with my classmates to the Galilee/Golan. When I return, I have my last break before I have three months straight of studies and schooling. I am going with a bunch of friends to Sinai, to relax at a Marriott Resort and hopefully get to see some pyramids and sights if it's safe! I'll take pictures, and share with you my adventures soon!
PJ
Now, I am in Jerusalem. I am a first year rabbinical school student and I still am amazed at the many things I am learning and will learn. I am finding new ways of examining things that I have in the past, and developing and idea of what my Reform Judaism is.
This week, in preparation for the High Holy Days, we had a three day program that provided us with an overview of S'lichot, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. My relationship to these days have dramatically changed over the past couple weeks, and this program seemed to be the icing on the cake. While I have never observed S'lichot (the days, or month (depending on if you are Ashkenazic or Sephardic) leading up to the High Holy Days), I always find myself doing a lot of reflecting right before the new year. I look at who I am, where I have been, and I what I hope to become in the future. S'lichot always falls immediately during the beginning of the new year, which seems most appropriate because I always find myself readjusting to the world around me when I go back to school.
And now, as we are now in the midst of Rosh Hashanah, I attended services with such a different lens this year. Much of the program I participated in earlier in the week was related to the understanding of the liturgy and scriptural readings themselves. As my professors described to me what was included, what was taken out, the difference in melodies, and most importantly, the meaning behind each prayer, I began to think about the ways that I would like to make these days important to me, especially during a service. HUC services are the most American-Reform style services in town, using the prayerbooks that I have become so accustomed to. Yet, every time I go, the service becomes more and more familiar as I learn its structure, but more and more foreign as I realize the complexity behind the prayer. Everything is in Hebrew, with the exception of the sermon, so the responsive readings I have come to know are no longer part of the service. Do I find this a good thing, or do I find it a bad thing? Well, it's complicated. In my opinion, these readings, if we use too much of them, can become repetitive and take away from the meaning of the prayer. Yet, if you take them out, you are at risk for the congregation to not be able to have meaningful prayer as well. In a more practical sense, the role of the Rabbi dramatically changes as well. Over the past two days, the Rabbi barely participated in the service up until the sermon. The cantor and the choir guided the congregation in prayer. While the music of the prayer is gorgeous and it's wonderful to hear the cantor and choir, I feel that it takes away from congregant participation. As a future rabbi, and Jewish professional, I really want to be able to explore the balance in roles, where all parties can have a meaningful prayer experience.
Nevertheless, it was quite powerful to see some of my friends have their solos and empower us with Avinu Malkeinu. In addition, I prayed looking directly at the Old City - an opportunity that I will rarely have once I leave Israel. I was able to have some sense of "family" here, attending a dinner with many friends on Erev Rosh Hashanah and lunch yesterday. The city itself is as dead as it is on Shabbat - stores are closed, and it's much easier to cross the street!
Next week, I'll have another full week of classes before Yom Kippur. This sacred day is apparently intensified in Jersualem. While small 24 hour stores can be found open during Rosh Hashanah and you still can see cars on the road, Yom Kippur brings Jerusalem to a halt - you can't get away from the Day of Atonement, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the most sacred day of the year in the most sacred place in the world.
After Yom Kippur, I head with my classmates to the Galilee/Golan. When I return, I have my last break before I have three months straight of studies and schooling. I am going with a bunch of friends to Sinai, to relax at a Marriott Resort and hopefully get to see some pyramids and sights if it's safe! I'll take pictures, and share with you my adventures soon!
PJ
Friday, September 7, 2007
My First Year Has Begun!
After having such a spiritually amazing trip in Poland, I returned safely to Jerusalem with the infamous stomach bug that has spread throughout campus. Nevertheless, four days of drinking tonic water and taking Imodium settled my stomach and thank goodness, I have my appetite back!
School began on Sunday and I must say that I was quite overwhelmed at first. Maybe it was just back to school jitters, but I really was concerned about balancing everything and not having time to myself. Yet, as I reflect upon the past week, I realize that as long as I utilize the time I have throughout the week, I will be fine and will continue to enjoy what I am learning.
I began my day with Hebrew. On Sundays, I am taught by a different Hebrew teacher than the rest of the week. Her major focus is for us to expose ourselves to Israeli culture and politics through the news. Each week, we'll practice reading newspaper articles and learn more practical vocabulary outside the average grammar related words. I found it very difficult to apply my Hebrew to a more practical form of study, but after walking myself through the text and learning the new words, I was able to adjust to the new texts.
Next, I had Biblical Grammar. I only have this class one day a week (as I do most of my courses, with the exception of Hebrew and Bible), so it is primarily an introductory course. My teacher is the same teacher I had during my ulpan, who also is my "main" Hebrew teacher throughout the week. As a result, both of these classes will be challenging but I am fortunate to have one of the best Hebrew teachers on campus!
I ended my Sunday with Bible. Each class we'll go over a text with in the Tanakh and discuss in detail certain passages. For the first time I am actually translating some of the text rather than just reading the English, which is a really neat experience as you are able to see what the text literally was trying to say.
On Monday, I had Hebrew, Bible, and my Liturgy class. Liturgy will be probably one of my most difficult courses, as I will be learning and translating unfamiliar prayers, reading commentary about liturgy, and learning about the structure of the service. By the end of the year, though, I definitely will know my prayers! After the Holidays, I will be taking enrichment courses in Jewish Nusach, Torah/Haftarah Cantillation, and the High Holy Days.
On Tuesday, I had Hebrew for 3 hours and then finished my day with History. It will be a lot of reading, but interesting material on the rise to Zionism and the State of Israel. Beginning in a few weeks, I'll be participating in the Community Choir as well.
On Wednesday, I will usually be taking a seminar course on Contemporary Israel. We'll have lectures, discussions, watch films, or go on trips throughout Israel to learn about Israel "today."
However, this past Wednesday we had a Professional Day which was really interesting. We discussed the use of Iyunne Tefillah, poems or readings to supplement prayer. We often find this in responsive readings or meditations. We talked about when to use these supplements, how long they should be, and how to utilize them to enrich prayer for the individual.
In addition, we had a session on writing a D'var Torah, or sermon. One of the most striking discussions we had was about the use of politics within a sermon. Whether it be a statement about the government or politics within the congregation itself, Rabbi Marmur, Dean of the Jerusalem Campus, seemed to be advocating discussing these things in a sermon. I have always had a problem with this idea because I not only want to avoid offending people, but I also feel that it is unprofessional to discuss this type of business on Shabbat, or even the High Holy Days. Furthermore, talking about politics may affect the mood of the service or even inhibit individuals from having a holy experience. Yet, Rabbi Marmur pointed out that with the right balance between sharing opinion and teaching, one can use it as a positive example in a sermon.
We finished our day with learning about the Jewish Bookshelf and explore the major texts that every rabbi should have in their own personal library and slowly learn to use. It is amazing that I am slowly acclimating myself to these sources, and using them as a tool to share and teach will be quite an experience!
Thursday, I had Bible and Hebrew, and was happy to say I finished my first week of Rabbinical School!
More to come about the upcoming High Holy Days and next's weeks programming about them!
Shanah Tovah,
PJ
School began on Sunday and I must say that I was quite overwhelmed at first. Maybe it was just back to school jitters, but I really was concerned about balancing everything and not having time to myself. Yet, as I reflect upon the past week, I realize that as long as I utilize the time I have throughout the week, I will be fine and will continue to enjoy what I am learning.
I began my day with Hebrew. On Sundays, I am taught by a different Hebrew teacher than the rest of the week. Her major focus is for us to expose ourselves to Israeli culture and politics through the news. Each week, we'll practice reading newspaper articles and learn more practical vocabulary outside the average grammar related words. I found it very difficult to apply my Hebrew to a more practical form of study, but after walking myself through the text and learning the new words, I was able to adjust to the new texts.
Next, I had Biblical Grammar. I only have this class one day a week (as I do most of my courses, with the exception of Hebrew and Bible), so it is primarily an introductory course. My teacher is the same teacher I had during my ulpan, who also is my "main" Hebrew teacher throughout the week. As a result, both of these classes will be challenging but I am fortunate to have one of the best Hebrew teachers on campus!
I ended my Sunday with Bible. Each class we'll go over a text with in the Tanakh and discuss in detail certain passages. For the first time I am actually translating some of the text rather than just reading the English, which is a really neat experience as you are able to see what the text literally was trying to say.
On Monday, I had Hebrew, Bible, and my Liturgy class. Liturgy will be probably one of my most difficult courses, as I will be learning and translating unfamiliar prayers, reading commentary about liturgy, and learning about the structure of the service. By the end of the year, though, I definitely will know my prayers! After the Holidays, I will be taking enrichment courses in Jewish Nusach, Torah/Haftarah Cantillation, and the High Holy Days.
On Tuesday, I had Hebrew for 3 hours and then finished my day with History. It will be a lot of reading, but interesting material on the rise to Zionism and the State of Israel. Beginning in a few weeks, I'll be participating in the Community Choir as well.
On Wednesday, I will usually be taking a seminar course on Contemporary Israel. We'll have lectures, discussions, watch films, or go on trips throughout Israel to learn about Israel "today."
However, this past Wednesday we had a Professional Day which was really interesting. We discussed the use of Iyunne Tefillah, poems or readings to supplement prayer. We often find this in responsive readings or meditations. We talked about when to use these supplements, how long they should be, and how to utilize them to enrich prayer for the individual.
In addition, we had a session on writing a D'var Torah, or sermon. One of the most striking discussions we had was about the use of politics within a sermon. Whether it be a statement about the government or politics within the congregation itself, Rabbi Marmur, Dean of the Jerusalem Campus, seemed to be advocating discussing these things in a sermon. I have always had a problem with this idea because I not only want to avoid offending people, but I also feel that it is unprofessional to discuss this type of business on Shabbat, or even the High Holy Days. Furthermore, talking about politics may affect the mood of the service or even inhibit individuals from having a holy experience. Yet, Rabbi Marmur pointed out that with the right balance between sharing opinion and teaching, one can use it as a positive example in a sermon.
We finished our day with learning about the Jewish Bookshelf and explore the major texts that every rabbi should have in their own personal library and slowly learn to use. It is amazing that I am slowly acclimating myself to these sources, and using them as a tool to share and teach will be quite an experience!
Thursday, I had Bible and Hebrew, and was happy to say I finished my first week of Rabbinical School!
More to come about the upcoming High Holy Days and next's weeks programming about them!
Shanah Tovah,
PJ
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Auschwitz
Today, like many Jews before me, I walked into the Aushwitz concentration camp and Birkenau death camp. However, unlike the massive amount of victims that suffered through the Holocaust, I walked out. It's difficult to imagine that such a short time ago the world was a very different place. Like me, many have struggled with the idea that such a place could exist, such a mass extermination could occur, and such forced power over others could strip one's dignity away from them and destroy one's sense of humanity.
I walked through the concentration camp with one goal: to recite the Mourner's Kaddish at the right time and the right moment. As I walked into one of the barracks, I saw about 50 or so prayer shawls hanging in a glass case. I continued walking and saw thousands upon thousands of shoes piled on top of one another. And then, as I turned to my left, I saw a case filled with the hair of nearly four thousand victims whose hair was cut off them when they arrived. As I looked at the closest thing that I saw to the remains of these individuals, I recited "Yitgadal V'Yitkidash Shemay Rabbah..." I began to think about if these victims realized as they entered the camps what they were going to experience. Did they know that they were going to be forced to work all day, perhaps starve to death, and no longer have a name as identification but a number? Did they believe that they one day would be free or did they personally accept that all faith was lost?
We walked into Block 11, the death block of Aushwitz and saw the only remains of the gas chambers. As empty as it was, you could easily imagine the screams of those who once were in these chambers.
A short drive away we went to Birkenau, and the first thing we saw was the entrance to the death camp that trains once drove through to drop off the victims. The death camp itself was so big, and the thought of the many people that were exterminated kept me in shock. As I walked closer and closer to the remains of the crematoriums, I slowly became speechless. I saw a marsh with left over ashes of victims and the basement of the crematorium where individuals undressed and prepared themselves for death.
I continue to have respect for all the survivors of the Holocaust - those who struggled to survive in so many different ways. It's ironic, you know - that the main goal of this tragedy was to eliminate a group of people thought to be the same. Yet, no one account can truly encompass the events of the Holocaust. No one account can serve justice to the pain and suffering of the many victims. No one can truly understand it or even grasp it. I just stand in silence, realizing that my own challenges in life no longer seem to be a challenge once I compare them to this.
Zichronam l'Vracha,
May their memories be a blessing.
http://community.webshots.com/user/pjschwartz
I walked through the concentration camp with one goal: to recite the Mourner's Kaddish at the right time and the right moment. As I walked into one of the barracks, I saw about 50 or so prayer shawls hanging in a glass case. I continued walking and saw thousands upon thousands of shoes piled on top of one another. And then, as I turned to my left, I saw a case filled with the hair of nearly four thousand victims whose hair was cut off them when they arrived. As I looked at the closest thing that I saw to the remains of these individuals, I recited "Yitgadal V'Yitkidash Shemay Rabbah..." I began to think about if these victims realized as they entered the camps what they were going to experience. Did they know that they were going to be forced to work all day, perhaps starve to death, and no longer have a name as identification but a number? Did they believe that they one day would be free or did they personally accept that all faith was lost?
We walked into Block 11, the death block of Aushwitz and saw the only remains of the gas chambers. As empty as it was, you could easily imagine the screams of those who once were in these chambers.
A short drive away we went to Birkenau, and the first thing we saw was the entrance to the death camp that trains once drove through to drop off the victims. The death camp itself was so big, and the thought of the many people that were exterminated kept me in shock. As I walked closer and closer to the remains of the crematoriums, I slowly became speechless. I saw a marsh with left over ashes of victims and the basement of the crematorium where individuals undressed and prepared themselves for death.
I continue to have respect for all the survivors of the Holocaust - those who struggled to survive in so many different ways. It's ironic, you know - that the main goal of this tragedy was to eliminate a group of people thought to be the same. Yet, no one account can truly encompass the events of the Holocaust. No one account can serve justice to the pain and suffering of the many victims. No one can truly understand it or even grasp it. I just stand in silence, realizing that my own challenges in life no longer seem to be a challenge once I compare them to this.
Zichronam l'Vracha,
May their memories be a blessing.
http://community.webshots.com/user/pjschwartz
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Next Stage
As I begin my week long vacation, I reflect upon how much I've actually learned over the past two months. It's hard to believe that so much time has flown by so quickly, and it's amazing to think that the rest of this year will do the same. In about four hours I will leave for the Ben Gurion Aiport to catch a flight to Krackow, Poland and I will spend five days exploring Jewish history, including a Shabbat trip to Aushwitz and Birkeneau. While I can't say that I am "excited" for this trip, I can say that I am looking forward to having what I hope to be a spiritually restoring experience. To stand outside the barracks that many victims once did, including theologian Elie Wiesel who in his famous book, Night, challenged his relationship to God but refused to turn his back on God. For me, the greatest test of faith is having faith even when there is no reason to keep it. For Wiesel, "God behaved badly." He held God accountable for God's actions and that profound statement continues to be a mark of the evolution of Judaism. I promise to have pictures to share with you when I return.
A week ago we began the Jewish month of Elul, which is a month of introspection. This month is encompassed by our preparation for the New Year, and it is important for us to reflect upon the past year and reevaluate our relationship to ourselves and the world. It's very appropriate that I have ended my Ulpan with great success and now am shifting gears in a week for the academic semester. My liturgy professor, who will be a mentor to me this year, made it clear that our only expectation for this year is to know more than you did coming - but it doesn't mean one will know everything. This year is a year of skills - understanding the structure of Liturgy, how to read the Talmud or Midrash, and how to interpret the Bible theologically, historically, and culturally. I'll learn to chant Torah and Haftarah, and learn how to lead a High Holy Day service (a skill I must have as I will return to the states and lead High Holy Day services!). I'll continue to emerse myself in Israel and its wonderful (and not so wonderful characteristics). And more importantly, I'll continue to grow as a human being and a future Jewish professional.
I'm ready. Bring it on.
PJ
A week ago we began the Jewish month of Elul, which is a month of introspection. This month is encompassed by our preparation for the New Year, and it is important for us to reflect upon the past year and reevaluate our relationship to ourselves and the world. It's very appropriate that I have ended my Ulpan with great success and now am shifting gears in a week for the academic semester. My liturgy professor, who will be a mentor to me this year, made it clear that our only expectation for this year is to know more than you did coming - but it doesn't mean one will know everything. This year is a year of skills - understanding the structure of Liturgy, how to read the Talmud or Midrash, and how to interpret the Bible theologically, historically, and culturally. I'll learn to chant Torah and Haftarah, and learn how to lead a High Holy Day service (a skill I must have as I will return to the states and lead High Holy Day services!). I'll continue to emerse myself in Israel and its wonderful (and not so wonderful characteristics). And more importantly, I'll continue to grow as a human being and a future Jewish professional.
I'm ready. Bring it on.
PJ
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
It's Time to Catch Up
After a really busy few weeks, I thought it would be nice to divide my update into two posts. Last Thursday night, to celebrate the nearing end of ulpan (which ended today...more about that in post 2!), we had a Beit Cafe (Coffee House) talent show. So I can't juggle, do magic (I should of kept my magic set I had as a kid), or lift a car, but I can do one thing well: make jokes. What's interesting about what I actually did for the Beit Cafe is that I turned something horrible that happened into something that I can laugh about....
About a month ago I couldn't sleep and woke up early to try and find coffee to start my day. While I knew where I wanted to go, I didn't know exactly how to get there and I ended up getting lost. I was on the phone as I was trying to find it and two police officers stopped me and questioned me. The asked for my name, what I was doing, where I was from, etc. After telling them I wanted to get coffee at the local shop, they pointed me in the right direction. When I found that it was closed, I ended up heading back in the other direction. The officers again questioned me and began to interrogate me (they really thought I could have been a terrorist or something). They didn't accept my ID, copies of my Passport and Visa, or my Insurance Card. They ended up hand cuffing me and putting me in a holding cell at what I've learned to be a part of the President's Residence (score! I got a VIP tour...ha, ha). I felt like I was in an episode of 24...I was sweating, scared, and they really were breaking me down.
What was the end result? They let me go eventually, but I was really thrown off by the entire thing. It appears that the officers were just wanted to have fun with a foreigner, and they did.
And while I was scared and had a hard time with the whole thing for a couple days, I finally can joke about it. How could I, PJ, be a terrorist? So, for the Beit Cafe, with a lot of help from my roommate David, who did stand up comedy in college, I did a comedy routine with a top 10 list: The Top Ten Things PJ Learned in Prison. While some of the jokes may not seem funny to you, it has great references to my program or life in Jerusalem.
Below is the transcript (all rights reserved. David Gerber. 2007)
Hello everybody, as you all know my name is PJ Schwartz, and I am up here tonight because I want to talk with you about my experience in Israel so far.
I’m from Greenville, South Carolina, which I am proud to say, is ranked 49th in literacy and 48th in Math, and 53rd in Geography.
I have noticed that Israel and South Carolina are a lot alike. The only big difference between living in Israel and living in the south is that in Israel, more people hate Jews.
This is my first trip to Israel, so naturally I am impressed with all of the amazing sights. The Kotel…David’s tomb…the Shuk…the inside of a jail cell.
If you didn’t hear the story, or notice my shiny new prison tattoos, I, your fellow classmate, had a little run in with the law this summer.
But I am not bitter about this experience as you might expect. Instead, I would like to use this experience as a way for us all to learn, should you find yourselves in a similar situation.
So here we go…here are the Top Ten Things PJ Learned in Prison
10. There is no 10 o’clock break in prison Ulpan
9. I am not saying that I escaped from prison, I am just saying that in the future, people may or may not be exploring PJ-Kiah’s tunnel.
8. The only difference between being behind bars in jail and being in bars on Ben Yehuda street is that people in jail have better bathing habits.
7. There are surprisingly few other people in jail with the name PJ.
6. If you don’t give them the information they require of you, you have to watch a video of Condoleeza Rice and Benjamin Netanyahu making out in a hot tub.
5. There are better ways to break the ice with the other prisoners than by saying “Hey guys, I’m American.”
4. Ahh, so this is what the other side of the mechitza looks like!
3. In Israeli prisons, you get the same kind of abuse as in America, only here it is from right to left.
2. They arrested me because they needed a Rabbinical student to lead their Shabbat services. They let me go when they found out I was Reform.
1. Prison? I thought I was at Jerusalem day!
About a month ago I couldn't sleep and woke up early to try and find coffee to start my day. While I knew where I wanted to go, I didn't know exactly how to get there and I ended up getting lost. I was on the phone as I was trying to find it and two police officers stopped me and questioned me. The asked for my name, what I was doing, where I was from, etc. After telling them I wanted to get coffee at the local shop, they pointed me in the right direction. When I found that it was closed, I ended up heading back in the other direction. The officers again questioned me and began to interrogate me (they really thought I could have been a terrorist or something). They didn't accept my ID, copies of my Passport and Visa, or my Insurance Card. They ended up hand cuffing me and putting me in a holding cell at what I've learned to be a part of the President's Residence (score! I got a VIP tour...ha, ha). I felt like I was in an episode of 24...I was sweating, scared, and they really were breaking me down.
What was the end result? They let me go eventually, but I was really thrown off by the entire thing. It appears that the officers were just wanted to have fun with a foreigner, and they did.
And while I was scared and had a hard time with the whole thing for a couple days, I finally can joke about it. How could I, PJ, be a terrorist? So, for the Beit Cafe, with a lot of help from my roommate David, who did stand up comedy in college, I did a comedy routine with a top 10 list: The Top Ten Things PJ Learned in Prison. While some of the jokes may not seem funny to you, it has great references to my program or life in Jerusalem.
Below is the transcript (all rights reserved. David Gerber. 2007)
Hello everybody, as you all know my name is PJ Schwartz, and I am up here tonight because I want to talk with you about my experience in Israel so far.
I’m from Greenville, South Carolina, which I am proud to say, is ranked 49th in literacy and 48th in Math, and 53rd in Geography.
I have noticed that Israel and South Carolina are a lot alike. The only big difference between living in Israel and living in the south is that in Israel, more people hate Jews.
This is my first trip to Israel, so naturally I am impressed with all of the amazing sights. The Kotel…David’s tomb…the Shuk…the inside of a jail cell.
If you didn’t hear the story, or notice my shiny new prison tattoos, I, your fellow classmate, had a little run in with the law this summer.
But I am not bitter about this experience as you might expect. Instead, I would like to use this experience as a way for us all to learn, should you find yourselves in a similar situation.
So here we go…here are the Top Ten Things PJ Learned in Prison
10. There is no 10 o’clock break in prison Ulpan
9. I am not saying that I escaped from prison, I am just saying that in the future, people may or may not be exploring PJ-Kiah’s tunnel.
8. The only difference between being behind bars in jail and being in bars on Ben Yehuda street is that people in jail have better bathing habits.
7. There are surprisingly few other people in jail with the name PJ.
6. If you don’t give them the information they require of you, you have to watch a video of Condoleeza Rice and Benjamin Netanyahu making out in a hot tub.
5. There are better ways to break the ice with the other prisoners than by saying “Hey guys, I’m American.”
4. Ahh, so this is what the other side of the mechitza looks like!
3. In Israeli prisons, you get the same kind of abuse as in America, only here it is from right to left.
2. They arrested me because they needed a Rabbinical student to lead their Shabbat services. They let me go when they found out I was Reform.
1. Prison? I thought I was at Jerusalem day!
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