A month and three days from now, I will have officially completed my first semester of Rabbinical School. I'll have gained knowledge of Biblical Hebrew Grammar, increased my Hebrew vocabulary, and developed fluency in prayers of the Morning Service and understanding of an overall structure of Jewish Liturgy. I'll have increased my reading and comprehension skills in modern and Biblical texts, learned the skills of trope (Torah Cantillation), be able to share with you an overview of the themes and patterns of Jewish history that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and articulate contemporary issues within Israel and Reform Judaism.
Sounds like I can become a Rabbi now, right? Not quite. All of the courses that I am taking this year (and will continue to take, with the exception of Modern Jewish History and Bible, which will be replaced by Contemporary Middle East and Rabbinics) are only a mere introduction to what I will be learning over the next four years. Nonetheless, it will be pretty cool to say at the end of the semester that I not only learned something new, but I know more than I did when I arrived in June.
In addition, Israel is starting to grow on me. Let me premise this statement though by saying that there are many things about the United States that I miss and I look forward to having those "luxuries" when I return, and Israel will always be "foreign" to me, but the things that were difficult to cope with at first no longer seem to bother me. While there will always be a language barrier, its nice to be able to communicate more efficiently with people. My grammar continues to need work, but I have enough vocabulary now for most situations. And since most people speak English, I am able to squeeze in a couple English words to get the message. But, the point is - I can get what I want and go where I want to go. I look at Hebrew signs and I don't look at it as a foreign language that I am unfamiliar with. I walk on the streets of Israel and "act" Israeli - meaning I am as aggressive as everyone else is when it comes to lines, getting someone's attention, or just simply walking across the street. It's a weird thing for one to comprehend, but trust me, I'm beginning to feel more comfortable here.
Last week, our class went on a tiyul (class trip) to Northern Israel. We began our trip in Caesaria, which as you probably can figure out, was a Roman influenced city (named after Caesar Augustus) build by Herod. It was a port city and very modern for its time. Very little places in Israel have mosaic or tile floors, and Caesaria is one of them. The structures apparently are reminiscent of those in Sicily, Italy. It is also the place where Rabbi Akiva, once of the most well-known Rabbis of the Talmud, was killed.
We then travelled to Tsippori, the place where the Talmud was actually written. There were two AMAZING mosaics that we saw that depicted the Greek cultural influence. One of the mosaics was located in the Ancient Synagogue, where you saw depictions of Biblical stories and a Zodaic in the center, suggesting a Greek influence on Jewish religion. What was powerful is that we had Mincha (Afternoon) services there to end our day. We then travelled to Tiberias for the night and had a great dinner. After dinner, I went to a night walk to the Tomb of Maimonides.
The following day, we travelled to Tsfat, the center of Jewish mysticism in Israel. We saw the synagogues of Isaac Luria (who I did my own research on for my Bachelor's Essay) and Joseph Caro (who wrote the Shulkan Aruch (the most authoritative source of halakah, Jewish law, since the Talmud. We also met with a local Kabbalah Artist, who provided a wonderful introduction to the study of Kabbalah through his artwork. Naturally, I bought posters of his work to use as a teaching tool when I return back to the States.
Our last day was in Haifa, where we visited the Leo Baeck School, a Progressive Education Center offering education for students in Kindergaten - Adult Education. It's one of the best schools in Israel, and offers the finest education experience while incorporating Jewish studies in their curriculum. Believe it or not, most Israels know little about their Jewish heritage. As one of the students said, "Before I came to Leo Baeck I always considered myself Israeli first and Jewish second. Now, I am Jewish first and Israeli second." Jewish identity is a huge issue in Israel, as in the Chief Rabbinate's eyes, you are either Orthodox or Secular. There's no understanding of Reform or Conservative Judaism in Israel, and each movement is only beginning to make a presence.
I promise when I have my vacation I'll post pictures throughout the semester. I have lots to do over the next couple weeks, but lots to look forward to. Michelle comes next week, and a week later, I'll get to see my parents and brother. It will be nice to have a taste of home to give me the extra push to end my semester on top.
PJ
Friday, December 7, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Hello, Again
I know that I haven't been good about updating my blog recently, and I promise you I will try and do better.
In the meantime, we are in the midst of midterm exams and I've come to the realization that my study skills from college are not 100% assisting me in Graduate School. Both my Liturgy and History classes are structured by our readings and once a week lectures. Maybe its because we only meet for an hour and a half each week (while I have Hebrew 4 days a week and Bible 3 days a week for the same amount of time), but I am beginning to get concerned about my understanding of the material. I spoke with my Liturgy professor this past week and he ensured me that the "struggle" I am having is normal and it's important for me to ease into the different study process. I trust him, but I am also exploring other ways to internalize the material better. With my limited time outside of class each week, I can't always spend hours reading for one class and writing notes for my readings. And while I always do get the "headlines," the details I have always been able to grasp aren't sinking in. Fortunately I am not falling behind in these classes because of this difficulty, and I have time to figure it out before my finals in January.
I've also begun to work on my D'var Torah that I am presenting during Shacharit (morning) services on December 17. A week later, I'll be chanting Torah for the first time EVER. What is great about these two days is not only the fact that I can share my ideas and express myself through cantillation, but Michelle and my parents will be here during that time and it will be great for them to see me do these awesome things. I also found out Austin is heading to Israel as well through Birthright, and it looks like he'll extend his trip to join me and our parents up North.
As most of you know, I'll be heading back to the states for two weeks in January for my winter break. While I'll have the opportunity to spend time with Michelle and my parents in December, school will inevitably keep me busy and sometimes preoccupied. Going home will be a great chance to spend time with my family and friends when I'll have the chance to breathe and relax. I think a quality that I have taken of my father's is that I already have found myself work to do during the break! It would be beneficial for me to organize and review my Hebrew notes from this semester and begin my reading for my Rabbinics class that I will begin in the Spring. But Dad has also taught me to enjoy any time off, but the older I get, the less I'll have it! A fellow classmate suggested that I buy the book in the states and begin studying the introductory material if I haven't had any previous experience with Talmud and Midrash. I'm going to take her advice. I'll be spending January 11-17 in Greenville, and I promised my mom that I won't have any desire to go to our tradition of lunch at Pita House (a Middle Eastern Restaurant) and I might just want to go to lunch at a good ole' American establishment. From Thursday night, January 17, until the 25th, I'll be in Charleston visiting my other home. It will be really nice to see everyone and have a separation from the HUC world for a couple weeks.
What else? I also have the opportunity to lead a sermon on April 12 on a Saturday morning Shabbat. The difference between this and the D'var Torah is not only the length, but I'll have the chance to express myself a little more. The D'var Torah has specific requirements that we must abide by, as it is an exercise for the students to begin getting comfortable with the texts of Talmud, Midrash, and other Rabbinic Literature and commentary.
I've also begun to work on preparating for my trip to the Former Soviet Union during Pesach. There are only about 6 or so Rabbis in this area, and it is a great service to the congregations for Rabbinic, Cantorial, and Education Students to lead them in the Pesach celebration! That will be my next major trip before I return to the states in May. It's amazing to think that it is already the holiday season in the states, and I'm already thinking about May!
It will be weird over the next month because things are very normal here in Jerusalem - the holiday spirit has already passed us and life must go on. As a result, I have class next Thursday on Thanksgiving, and may be stumbling into school on New Year's Day after a long night of celebrating. It will be interesting though to experience Israel during this time, as the Hannukah spirit WILL start to come upon us!
I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Miss you,
PJ
In the meantime, we are in the midst of midterm exams and I've come to the realization that my study skills from college are not 100% assisting me in Graduate School. Both my Liturgy and History classes are structured by our readings and once a week lectures. Maybe its because we only meet for an hour and a half each week (while I have Hebrew 4 days a week and Bible 3 days a week for the same amount of time), but I am beginning to get concerned about my understanding of the material. I spoke with my Liturgy professor this past week and he ensured me that the "struggle" I am having is normal and it's important for me to ease into the different study process. I trust him, but I am also exploring other ways to internalize the material better. With my limited time outside of class each week, I can't always spend hours reading for one class and writing notes for my readings. And while I always do get the "headlines," the details I have always been able to grasp aren't sinking in. Fortunately I am not falling behind in these classes because of this difficulty, and I have time to figure it out before my finals in January.
I've also begun to work on my D'var Torah that I am presenting during Shacharit (morning) services on December 17. A week later, I'll be chanting Torah for the first time EVER. What is great about these two days is not only the fact that I can share my ideas and express myself through cantillation, but Michelle and my parents will be here during that time and it will be great for them to see me do these awesome things. I also found out Austin is heading to Israel as well through Birthright, and it looks like he'll extend his trip to join me and our parents up North.
As most of you know, I'll be heading back to the states for two weeks in January for my winter break. While I'll have the opportunity to spend time with Michelle and my parents in December, school will inevitably keep me busy and sometimes preoccupied. Going home will be a great chance to spend time with my family and friends when I'll have the chance to breathe and relax. I think a quality that I have taken of my father's is that I already have found myself work to do during the break! It would be beneficial for me to organize and review my Hebrew notes from this semester and begin my reading for my Rabbinics class that I will begin in the Spring. But Dad has also taught me to enjoy any time off, but the older I get, the less I'll have it! A fellow classmate suggested that I buy the book in the states and begin studying the introductory material if I haven't had any previous experience with Talmud and Midrash. I'm going to take her advice. I'll be spending January 11-17 in Greenville, and I promised my mom that I won't have any desire to go to our tradition of lunch at Pita House (a Middle Eastern Restaurant) and I might just want to go to lunch at a good ole' American establishment. From Thursday night, January 17, until the 25th, I'll be in Charleston visiting my other home. It will be really nice to see everyone and have a separation from the HUC world for a couple weeks.
What else? I also have the opportunity to lead a sermon on April 12 on a Saturday morning Shabbat. The difference between this and the D'var Torah is not only the length, but I'll have the chance to express myself a little more. The D'var Torah has specific requirements that we must abide by, as it is an exercise for the students to begin getting comfortable with the texts of Talmud, Midrash, and other Rabbinic Literature and commentary.
I've also begun to work on preparating for my trip to the Former Soviet Union during Pesach. There are only about 6 or so Rabbis in this area, and it is a great service to the congregations for Rabbinic, Cantorial, and Education Students to lead them in the Pesach celebration! That will be my next major trip before I return to the states in May. It's amazing to think that it is already the holiday season in the states, and I'm already thinking about May!
It will be weird over the next month because things are very normal here in Jerusalem - the holiday spirit has already passed us and life must go on. As a result, I have class next Thursday on Thanksgiving, and may be stumbling into school on New Year's Day after a long night of celebrating. It will be interesting though to experience Israel during this time, as the Hannukah spirit WILL start to come upon us!
I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Miss you,
PJ
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
At the End of the Tunnel
Today was one of those days where no matter how tired you are or no matter how overwhelmed you feel, you seem to still wake up on the right side of the bed and see light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve had a hectic three weeks, trying to adjust to a routine schedule that brings me home late a night with a never ending supply of homework to do. Yet, as busy and overwhelmed I can be, I still have been able to find time for myself. I’m learning so much about the sociology of Israel; being a student at HUC is difficult, let alone Jerusalem being an intense place to live in general. There is a strikingly apparent shift in the feel of Jerusalem come Wednesday, as people are starting to prepare themselves for the weekend. Sometimes you just want to be able to press “pause” on your “life remote” so you can take a breath. Fortunately, Wednesdays are the beginning of that breath. Unlike the rest of my week, I have the opportunity to explore Israel and understand the country from a very different lens. My Wednesday Israel Seminars allow me to encounter contemporary Israel, an opportunity that unfortunately would be very difficult to have due to my constant schedule.
Today was perhaps one of the most rewarding days for me in Israel. There have been moments where I have been so frustrated with all the “balagan,” or problems of Israel. Even the littlest things have contributed to my frustration. Yet, today, I finally saw something that was very much Israeli even if it was in the confines of the HUC bubble. Being the Remembrance Day for Yitzhak Rabin, former Prime Minister of Israel who was assassinated in 1995, it seemed fitting that the theme of our Israel Seminar, whether intentional or not, was the bond humankind has with each other.
Rabin placed great emphasis on establishing peace, and for the first time this entire year I truly felt part of a community. We began our day with a short memorial service commemorating Rabin, each of us, while different in our backgrounds and relationship to Judaism, seemed to truly mold as a group. We have been told numerous times that our group has appeared to be the most cohesive in a long time. The establishment of a Jewish State at some level was based (and continues to be based by many) on the idea that the Jewish people – from all over the world – deserves to have a place to call home. As a group, the HUC community is slowly becoming comfortable with one another; teachers and students have a relationship inside and outside the classroom. The fact that each of us are learning in Israel for similar reasons clearly brings us together.
After our memorial service, we traveled to Yad V’Shem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem. I don’t know why, but my interest in the Holocaust always continues to grow. I constantly am intrigued by the stories of survivors, and their struggle to live. Now that I have been to Aushwitz, my understanding of this tragic event has truly changed. The imagery of the camp haunted me as I walked into the museum. The elaborate structure of the building reminded me of the entrance to Birkenau. You walked into the museum and felt completely narrowed in, as the walls literally were leaning towards you. Each room had its own story, and each account presented was a story within itself. Unique to this museum was the fact that they didn’t just focus on individuals who died in the concentration camps. They paid tribute to those who had very different stories as well. A wired “fence” blocking parts of the exhibit immediately reminded me of the fences within Aushwitz. There was this constant stress that Jews simply did not fit in anywhere they went, ultimately leading to the establishment of Israel. In many respects, the survivors of the Holocaust came in to and out of the depths, and their relationship to the world truly changed. Yitzhak Nissenbaum, Rabbi at the Warsaw Ghetto said it best:
“This is a time for sanctifying life, not for sanctifying God’s name through death. In the past, our enemies demanded our soul, and the Jew sacrificed his body to sanctify God’s name. Now, the enemy is demanding the Jew’s body and the Jew is obligated to defend it – to protect his life.”
Following our trip to Yad V’Shem, we explored Mount Herzl, a cemetery for both major political leaders and those who gave their lives for Israel and their Jewish identity. Because of the scheduled memorial ceremony for Yitzhak Rabin, we weren’t able to see the political cemetery. However, we took a little adventure and practically snuck into the military section of Mount Herzl. We went through the various graves of the many who sacrificed their lives. The impacting thing about our exploration of the military cemetery was not just about exploring the memorials, but also about being a group. Many of the military heroes of Israel created a separate family outside their own. I am realizing more and more how much friendships are important in this journey ahead of me. There are only 53 other people who can even remotely relate to the experience I am going through, but even then their path towards becoming a rabbi, cantor, or educator is different.
As each day passes, there are times where I truly miss home. Being so far away from something you have been so close to for years is a difficult experience. Yet, I also have this great chance to grow as individual. I’m having a second Bar Mitzvah per-say – this is my year of growth and transition into true adulthood. This journey has only begun, and I’m once again excited to see what is going to happen next.
Today was perhaps one of the most rewarding days for me in Israel. There have been moments where I have been so frustrated with all the “balagan,” or problems of Israel. Even the littlest things have contributed to my frustration. Yet, today, I finally saw something that was very much Israeli even if it was in the confines of the HUC bubble. Being the Remembrance Day for Yitzhak Rabin, former Prime Minister of Israel who was assassinated in 1995, it seemed fitting that the theme of our Israel Seminar, whether intentional or not, was the bond humankind has with each other.
Rabin placed great emphasis on establishing peace, and for the first time this entire year I truly felt part of a community. We began our day with a short memorial service commemorating Rabin, each of us, while different in our backgrounds and relationship to Judaism, seemed to truly mold as a group. We have been told numerous times that our group has appeared to be the most cohesive in a long time. The establishment of a Jewish State at some level was based (and continues to be based by many) on the idea that the Jewish people – from all over the world – deserves to have a place to call home. As a group, the HUC community is slowly becoming comfortable with one another; teachers and students have a relationship inside and outside the classroom. The fact that each of us are learning in Israel for similar reasons clearly brings us together.
After our memorial service, we traveled to Yad V’Shem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem. I don’t know why, but my interest in the Holocaust always continues to grow. I constantly am intrigued by the stories of survivors, and their struggle to live. Now that I have been to Aushwitz, my understanding of this tragic event has truly changed. The imagery of the camp haunted me as I walked into the museum. The elaborate structure of the building reminded me of the entrance to Birkenau. You walked into the museum and felt completely narrowed in, as the walls literally were leaning towards you. Each room had its own story, and each account presented was a story within itself. Unique to this museum was the fact that they didn’t just focus on individuals who died in the concentration camps. They paid tribute to those who had very different stories as well. A wired “fence” blocking parts of the exhibit immediately reminded me of the fences within Aushwitz. There was this constant stress that Jews simply did not fit in anywhere they went, ultimately leading to the establishment of Israel. In many respects, the survivors of the Holocaust came in to and out of the depths, and their relationship to the world truly changed. Yitzhak Nissenbaum, Rabbi at the Warsaw Ghetto said it best:
“This is a time for sanctifying life, not for sanctifying God’s name through death. In the past, our enemies demanded our soul, and the Jew sacrificed his body to sanctify God’s name. Now, the enemy is demanding the Jew’s body and the Jew is obligated to defend it – to protect his life.”
Following our trip to Yad V’Shem, we explored Mount Herzl, a cemetery for both major political leaders and those who gave their lives for Israel and their Jewish identity. Because of the scheduled memorial ceremony for Yitzhak Rabin, we weren’t able to see the political cemetery. However, we took a little adventure and practically snuck into the military section of Mount Herzl. We went through the various graves of the many who sacrificed their lives. The impacting thing about our exploration of the military cemetery was not just about exploring the memorials, but also about being a group. Many of the military heroes of Israel created a separate family outside their own. I am realizing more and more how much friendships are important in this journey ahead of me. There are only 53 other people who can even remotely relate to the experience I am going through, but even then their path towards becoming a rabbi, cantor, or educator is different.
As each day passes, there are times where I truly miss home. Being so far away from something you have been so close to for years is a difficult experience. Yet, I also have this great chance to grow as individual. I’m having a second Bar Mitzvah per-say – this is my year of growth and transition into true adulthood. This journey has only begun, and I’m once again excited to see what is going to happen next.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
There is a phrase that I have grown to know and love over the past three months in Israel, “Acharei HaChagim,” or “After the Holidays.” Summer vacation finally is over in Israel; and that means that I won’t have another break until January. The past month has been a test run for the rest of the school year, as I now will have a full schedule with classes from 8:30-6:00 the majority of the week. The real question is how I am going to balance all my schoolwork without any breaks I have had due to the holidays. It’s going to be a busy schedule, I’ve known that since I arrived here, but the fact is that I haven’t really been able to get into the motions of being a graduate school student until now. This is it!
Fortunately, my schoolwork is doable. After all, students before me have completed the year successfully, right? I won’t be bored, that’s for sure, as I have a combination of reading, comprehension, and translation in all of my classes. I just got to keep telling myself that I will be okay.
Let’s back track about a week ago, when I was in, well, paradise. About ten of my classmates and I traveled to Egypt to stay at a Marriott Beach Resort to relax. Don’t worry, I really wasn’t in the depths of Egypt – I was only 30 minutes from the Israel-Egypt border! Nevertheless, I have a passport stamp to prove my travels. I stayed in Taba, one of the “regions” of Egypt (Sinai and Egypt proper are the other two). I was about 2 hours from Mount Sinai and 4 hours from Cairo. While I do eventually want to go back and see the pyramids, there have been warnings in that area and Taba was as close to the pyramids I felt comfortable going to. Nevertheless, I stayed at a 5-star hotel at a relatively inexpensive price. For those of you who know me, I’m not much of a sit by the beach or pool all day type of guy. While I only could last 3 hours outside at a time, and spent the rest relaxing in my hotel room or walking around, it was nice to do as close to nothing as possible.
As promised, below is the link to pictures from the Galilee/Golan. Most of them are scenic pictures from various points that I went to. Don’t be fooled, they actually are different places! Some of them were taken at Mount Ben Tal, which provides a great view of Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. General rule of thumb: Anything with greenery is Israel; most of the mountains are Syria or Lebanon. There is a picture I took near a barbed wired gate – passed the gate is Lebanon. Yes, I was that close! Other pictures include: a synagogue in Rosh Pina, one of the first settlements outside Jerusalem, and Tel Dan, a well researched archeological site led by an HUC team that shows worship to God outside the Temple in Jerusalem! I need to figure out how to put captions on these pictures so you have a better idea what I am talking about!
Okay, off to do homework…
PJ
http://community.webshots.com/user/pjschwartz (Click on Galilee/Golan Album)
Fortunately, my schoolwork is doable. After all, students before me have completed the year successfully, right? I won’t be bored, that’s for sure, as I have a combination of reading, comprehension, and translation in all of my classes. I just got to keep telling myself that I will be okay.
Let’s back track about a week ago, when I was in, well, paradise. About ten of my classmates and I traveled to Egypt to stay at a Marriott Beach Resort to relax. Don’t worry, I really wasn’t in the depths of Egypt – I was only 30 minutes from the Israel-Egypt border! Nevertheless, I have a passport stamp to prove my travels. I stayed in Taba, one of the “regions” of Egypt (Sinai and Egypt proper are the other two). I was about 2 hours from Mount Sinai and 4 hours from Cairo. While I do eventually want to go back and see the pyramids, there have been warnings in that area and Taba was as close to the pyramids I felt comfortable going to. Nevertheless, I stayed at a 5-star hotel at a relatively inexpensive price. For those of you who know me, I’m not much of a sit by the beach or pool all day type of guy. While I only could last 3 hours outside at a time, and spent the rest relaxing in my hotel room or walking around, it was nice to do as close to nothing as possible.
As promised, below is the link to pictures from the Galilee/Golan. Most of them are scenic pictures from various points that I went to. Don’t be fooled, they actually are different places! Some of them were taken at Mount Ben Tal, which provides a great view of Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. General rule of thumb: Anything with greenery is Israel; most of the mountains are Syria or Lebanon. There is a picture I took near a barbed wired gate – passed the gate is Lebanon. Yes, I was that close! Other pictures include: a synagogue in Rosh Pina, one of the first settlements outside Jerusalem, and Tel Dan, a well researched archeological site led by an HUC team that shows worship to God outside the Temple in Jerusalem! I need to figure out how to put captions on these pictures so you have a better idea what I am talking about!
Okay, off to do homework…
PJ
http://community.webshots.com/user/pjschwartz (Click on Galilee/Golan Album)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Galilee/Golan
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
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
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
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