With All Your Heart, Soul, and Might

Only a 30 minute walk away from me. I've been near the neighborhood. Jewish Seminary - it could have been me.

These were the thoughts that went through my head last night as Yeshiva students were killed last night in a terrorist shooting.

Our thoughts turn to those who are in need of healing... At this time we remember those who have past away in the recent week...

These are the words of prayer we state every week.

Every week I stand reciting the Mourner's Kaddish (the prayer for mourners), standing for those who do not have the opportunity to mourn. This Shabbat, and the coming weeks, my thoughts turn to those who lost their children last night. I will stand reciting the Mourner's Kaddish, and call out to God.

I am okay. I am okay. I am okay.

These are the words I keep telling myself.

Thank you all for your concern. I am safe, healthy, and secure. I will avoid large public crowds, not take the buses, and won't be buying produce at the Shuk (open air market) anytime soon.

Neverthless, I am okay.

PJ

Flying By?

I literally feel like I closed my eyes for 30 seconds and once I opened them, it was almost a month since I got back to Jerusalem. I have a feeling that I will be feeling this way the ENTIRE semester. Yes, I was told that it would fly by, but I had no idea how quickly.

Here are some updates/highlights of what's been up with me:

* I am taking two new classes: Rabbinics (divided into a survey lecture and a text course) and Politics of Israel. I am learning in the survey lecture course about the history and emergence of the classical commentaries of Judaism: the Talmud and Mishnah. In the text course, I am translating one of the aggadic (legendary) texts of Rabbinic Judaism: Fathers of Rabbi Nathan from Hebrew to English. Mishnaic/Rabbinic Hebrew, while it leans towards more Modern Hebrew compared to the Biblical Grammar I have been learning, has many differences. While we are focusing on the concepts with the text, we are spending more time focusing on how to read it and translate it (yay, more vocabulary!). In Politics of Israel, I am realizing how complicated the Government is here - I am not even 100% sure if I will understand it all at the end of the semester. Nevertheless, its a great introduction and I am going to be writing an awesome paper about the role of the Chief Rabbinate within Politics (a great example of how there is no separation between church and state)

* Cincinnati, Here I come! Over the past month (and will be continuing in March), we have had many visitors from the Cincinnati campus giving us the "411" of our coming 4 years. Next year, I will be taking 2 bible courses, 2 history courses, Biblical Grammar, Hebrew Literature, Rabbinics, a Professional Development course in Education, and a Ritual course (I will become more comfortable with Trope, and learn about how to actually lead many life cycle events and services). In addition, I will be working at a pulpit once a month and I will indeed be "the" "rabbi" I put both in quotes purposely to stress that these congregations crave for Student Rabbis since they have no clergy of their own, and I will likely be called "Rabbi Schwartz" even though I will only have a year's worth of schooling under my belt. In addition, I will be teaching Religious School once a week. I am strongly considering requesting to teach high school next year, because it will give me the opportunity to really delve into issues within Judaism. Over the coming months I will start recieving housing information, insurance information, applications for my pulpit and religious school positions, and more. I'm not going to lie - its all a bit overwhelming, and I will definitely have to review some material that I learned this year this summer to prepare myself, but I am more excited than anything else.

* Next week we go to the Negev - visiting the grave of David Ben Gurion, hiking, seeing Egyptian copper mines, sleeping in a Bedouin tent, and spending Shabbat at a Reform Kibbutz. I will post pictures this time, and will be much better about it.

* FSU - The 35 or so people that are going to the FSU have been working hard to make things happen. We have been trying to raise enough money to make this trip happen, as these commuities in Russia are relying on us to give them a Pesach experience. We have been writing programs - and attending programs - to prepare ourselves for a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have to raise $2000 USD - to contribute to the overall costs of an $80,000 project. Every donation, small or large, helps! To donate, click here: Former Soviet Union Pesach Project. Please make sure you specify "FSU Pesach Project PJ Schwartz".

That's it for now, I am off to class to go to meet 11th/12th graders at a high school in Jerusalem and interview Israelis on the street.....

PJ

Creating Vibrant Jewish Communities, in the Snow

I arrived back in Israel on Sunday night, and while I was quite sad to leave the states once again and be in a foreign country for four more months, Israel didn't seem as foreign to me anymore. I arrived at the airport and knew exactly what I needed to do, where I needed to go, and what Hebrew I needed to remember after two weeks of speaking English. I arrived back at my apartment, and even though I always seem to find a problem with it, I found comfort being back in such a familiar place. I woke up the following day and knew where I liked to go to the grocery, where I liked to buy my produce (I finally found seedless grapes, which also made me extremely happy), and where I could buy the closest thing to a Triple Grande Non-Fat Latte in Jerusalem.

Going home was just the battery recharge I needed to come back and finish my first year in Jerusalem - after all, I promised Michelle I would come back 20% Rabbi in May :)

The "Spring" Semester began today despite the "massive" snow storm that began to hit us last night:

http://info.jpost.com/2000/Supplements/Snow/index.html

And by "massive" I only mean about 3-4 inches, but coming from a place where 3 inches of snow is rare it is indeed alot of snow. In fact, I don't actually remember when the last time (if there was a time), I saw this much snow falling ALL day long. Most of us, however, made it through the slush (remind me I need to buy boots when I return to the states) and began a three day Colloquium with the theme "Challenges and Opportunities: Creating Vibrant Jewish Communities." This conference, or professional development program, allows us to focus on contemporary issues within the Reform movement that affect us as future leaders. We began our day with tefillah, prayer, and I honestly missed being able to pray in Hebrew. In addition, we recieved our own copies of the new Reform siddur, Mishkan Tefillah, and began praying with these hard back prayerbooks rather than the paperback drafts we have been using. Now, I know, some of you readers who are members of KKBE dedicated my own copy in Charleston (which I was ABSOLUTELY thrilled to have) are probably disappointed now that I no longer have bragging rights and can say I have my own copy unlike others. However, I still hold some uniqueness - I know own both a transliterated and non-transliterated version, both dedicated to me as a student and friend, and both that I will cherish and use throughout my career.

Following tefillah, we had an abbreviated schedule so we could spend some time in the snow (and get home safely). I had the opportunity to meet Richard Sarason, Professor of Rabbinic Literature and Thought from the Cincinnati campus, who will be teaching me liturgy next school year. He led a session on establishing personal Jewish identity, and how America influenced my Jewish upbringing. I came to the conclusion that my Jewishness has evolved from being something that had made me separate from others to something that defines my life. I remember being the "token Jew" in elementary school explained the holiday of Hanukkah to the audience at our Christmas/Holiday program. I knew I was different, and knew I was separate, but I didn't know why. Once I got to high school and began exploring the possibility of becoming a rabbi, I recognized that being Jewish was like a personality trait, a characteristic of who I was. It wasn't until college, and now Rabbinical school, where I realized that being Jewish is a choice - and regardless of level of observance, each of us has a connection to the faith in our own way that makes us part of this religion and culture.

We spent the rest of the day discussing the religious climate in America and its affect upon American Reform Judaism. We only began to address the issue of intermarriage, a touchy topic for many, and some even claim that it is the single threat to the "death" of Judaism. While I may not think that extreme, I realize that I need to set my boundaries for many topics like this, and only experience will help me do so.

Tomorrow we will continue to explore similar themes and also have meetings by our stateside campuses, the first of many opportunities this semester to prepare us for next year. In only a couple weeks I will be meeting with Ken Kanter, the Dean of the Rabbinical School, and have the chance to start a new transition!

PJ

It Seems Like Only Yesterday I Started

I didn't realize how much I have learned over the past semester until I started sharing my experiences with others. For 7 months I have constantly been challenging myself as a Rabbinical student and a Jew to find personal meaning in my faith, and it was recently when I came to the conclusion that this journey will not stop at the end of my year in Israel. While this is something that I had already known at some level, the reality is that I have been so immersed in the study of Judaism and Israel that I rarely have given myself the chance to just step back and reflect.

I've been back in the states for a week and it becomes more and more clearer that this was indeed the right decision - I've established professional relationships with both my congregations in Greenville and Charleston, been able to embrace the lasting friendships I left behind in May, spend quality time with family, and of course, returning the favor when it comes to Michelle, as she came to visit me and now I am in Charleston visiting her. It has been an absolutely wonderful vacation, and I still have nearly a week left in the states and an additional few days back in Jerusalem before I begin the semester.

The good news is that there is a lot to look forward to. Faculty from stateside HUC campuses as well as other Reform Jewish scholars will address us over a three day professional forum encompassing various issues that are present in the Reform movement as a start to our second semester. I will already know the ropes, so I won't have to worry about going through the adjustment face, and I can spend much more time embracing Israeli culture and trying to come to terms with the complex nature of Israeli society. I will take some new courses as well, studying Rabbinics (Jewish commentaries such as Talmud and Midrash), the Politics of Israel, and a course preparing us to lead High Holy Day services. In addition, I will spend a lot of time getting ready for the big trip of the semester: I am leading Passover services in Belarus, Russia! It is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and an amazing experience. And to top it all off I will be chanting Torah once more, leading another Dv'ar Torah (sermon), and leading services.

I am in the early stages of planning my summer, and while I can't announce my plans quite yet, let's just say that it is another wonderful opportunity that has presented itself to me and I look forward to sharing it with you!

Ok....drum roll please....

ALL pictures from Fall 2007 Semester are now posted at http://www.webshots.com/user/pjschwartz

Take a look!

PJ

Success

New Years Resolution: I will be more responsible when it comes to updating my blogs.

And what is my excuse for another month's hiatus? December was filled with lots of studying and exam preparation, a wonderful visit with Michelle, and time with my parents and brother.

But the good news: I made it! I officially have completely my first semester in Rabbinical School and am 10% completed with my studies! I am writing to you from Greenville as I felt like the best way to relax after a long semester would be coming home to visit with family and friends. Next week I will head to Charleston and relive my college days once again.

I promise you pictures will come over the next couple weeks and I'll share with you some wonderful news that will be finalized come next week....

Freedom. It feels good.

PJ

Israel is Starting to Grow on Me

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

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