Religious Priority

Hi all!

I’m entering my 4^th week here! So if I didn’t already mention, as part of my Jewish History class, we’re required to blog on certain subjects throughout the week. Therefore, on top of my normal “catching up” blogs, I’ll also be including analyses and reflections of our class discussions and on articles that we are assigned in class.

Today in class, we discussed the integration of Hellenistic culture into Jewish society. We took the discussion to modern times, questioning when to prioritize Jewish events/traditions/customs over your normal life.

Growing up in my family, going to Jewish Day School for nine years, going to camp, going to services, and more, it has become my belief that certain customs and holidays you must participate in.  These include holidays/events such as Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Passover Seder. Now personally, I try to attend these plus observe some parts of Simchat Torah, Sukkot, Purim, Chanukkah, plus Friday night services every few weeks. Naturally, a lot of these observances began with the enforcement from my parents but I grew to love and appreciate them. But I understand if not every Jew will follow these other traditions.

Now some Jews might accuse me, asking how I can even judge those who don’t attend those mandatory services, if I play music on Shabbat, or I don’t go to Shabbat services every week. Honestly, because I feel comfortable and confident in my Judaism and Jewish identity not to.

In class, we shared stories about conflicts we've had where we had to choose either a secular or religious activity/service. I can easily understand wanting to miss a family Shabbat dinner or Shabbat service for a sleepover, etc. I honestly don’t mean to offend anyone, which is why I didn’t voice my opinion too loudly in class, but missing Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur services for a game or a show is appalling to me. I understand that they can be boring, and maybe even make you resent your Judaism, but it’s they’re the holiest holidays. Whether you like it or not, those are two holidays in which there is no excuse to miss (except of course health reasons). In fact, my family didn’t go to a part of High Holiday services a couple years ago for health reasons. But we gathered around, a bit before sundown, downloaded the iShofar app (yes, it’s a thing), and heard the sounds of the Shofar.

I just can’t see how one can call themselves a dedicated Jew if they aren't attending the most sacred services. I love Jew camp and youth group as much as the next girl, but simply attending those events does not in fact make you a good Jew. I said earlier that I’m comfortable missing some observances due to my sense of Jewish identity. One might argue that they are comfortable with theirs without going to high holidays. It’s a fair point, but I bring it back to the fact that the High Holidays are THE High Holidays. Again, I’m sorry if I’m offending anyone, I usually try to show my bias is a more relaxed tone, but some of the stories in class today really agitated me.

Lastly, I noticed writing this, that this idea of religious priority takes a less liberal view than I’m used to. Some ignorant people might even say “un-Reform of me”, but I did grow up in an environment where holidays and services were mandatory. Whether it be my family or school’s influence, I stand firm on my view now.

FYI we’re going on Gadna later this week! That is a short, less than a week, army training program that many Israeli high schoolers take part in. I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Thanks for reading!

Shoshana J

11 Hour School Days

I am writing this blog post from the luxurious seats of the 968 to Karmiel. I figured that a 3 hour bus ride was the perfect time to reflect on the past week. It was a fairly normal week, simply getting into the stream of things.

We had our first Jewish history test. We had three hours to take it. It was long. But it wasn’t actually that bad. Along with that test, I also had a couple chemistry quizzes, a couple pop quizzes in math, a research paper in APUSH (AP US History), and small papers in AP English. Though its really not as dreadful as it sounds.

The classes here are very different than at home. My largest class (besides Jewish History and Hebrew) is six people. There is a lot of individual attention which is really quite helpful. People keep asking me if its harder here or at Allderdice (home high school). I can never really supply with them with an adequate answer. We get more done in class here than we do at Dice. Along with that comes more information per class, which can makes certain things confusing and hard to grasp.  Especially in math. 

Despite the long list of homework that I mentioned, its not that hard. The quizzes and papers aren’t of the same rigor as Dice.

Oh but did I mention that I have an 11 hour school day? If you were wondering how that’s remotely possible or bearable here is my schedule

8:15-11:00 Jewish History with my fabulous teacher, Aaron Gertz

11:10-12:55-ish Hebrew

1-1:55 Lunch

Ok since I don’t know all the exact times… the next classes are all 45 minutes with 10 minutes between each class

English

Precalc/trig/El fun

SAT prep on Sundays and Tuesdays

Spanish on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday (only student in class)

APUSH

Chemistry 

Yup. So just thought I’d let you all know what my day normally looks like.

Did I mention I’m on the bus to Karmiel? I am currently going up North to visit all my friends from Diller from this summer. My words here aren’t properly reflecting my excitement, but I’m actually bursting.  Its unreal that I get to see them again.

That’s all for now!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Shoshana :)

Equality

Recently, Rabbi Harcszatrk, a modern Orthodox rabbi at SAR High School, permitted a couple of girls to wrap tefillin. This is a practice, that for years, has been only for men. Allowing girls to do so in a religious setting is absurd to many more observant Jews and has caused quite a stir.

But come on, its 2014. Such a cliche line but so true. I understand the Habadnikcim not appreciating this change, as they don't stray from tradition...ever. But the entire Modern Orthodox community should get over it. I am not a "super ultra, no shave, boo men" feminist, but I will definitely preach equality. Women can vote now, women wear kippot (at least in the Conservative and Reform communities), work, and often provide the main income for a family. So why cant we observe religion the same way? Its not like women are less religious, less observant, less worthy of God's love, or even less capable of loving God. So why not let them demonstrate their love of God and their faith? Why restrict someone from loving and praying to God, especially if it's the same way you do?

I understand where the other side is coming from, though. Tradition, halachah. But I don't know if I cant respect a tradition that doesn't support total equality.

Shabbat Shalom,
Shoshana :)  

Saturday Memories

Earlier this week I shared my Friday night Shabbat experience with all of you. However, that was only Friday night. Saturday was even more incredible.

One of the best parts of the day was definitely, definitely sleeping in. Instead of our usual 7:15 wake up, I got to sleep all the way to 9:30. It was incredible.

But the day got so much better. After services, where I was yet again reminded of camp memories, I had a wonderful Shabbat lunch. Lunch was good, but not as quite as exciting the Kotel. Yea that big wall that everyone visits. Sort of cool. I guess.

The Kotel, also known as the Western or Wailing Wall is always a different experience. This is the 5^th time I had gone to the Kotel. Last time, this past summer, I felt an amazing connection to the Wall, and when I began walking back, I was completely satisfied with my experience. That is until I get a 10 minute lecture from an old Jewish woman on my attire (which, by the way, was completely appropriate). Luckily, this time I didn’t get a scorning, but I also didn’t feel as great as a connection.

I did look at the Wall in a different light, though. Usually, I attempt to make a religious connection. This time, though, I truly felt a connection to my past. This was the place that Jews thousands of years ago came to pray! This wasn’t a mythical place. It was standing there right in front me. Realizing that, was, frankly, mind blowing.

Seeing my friends’ reactions was amazing as well. For many of my friends here, this was their first time going to the Wall. Going for the first time at this age definitely has its benefits. You have learned about the Wall for years, understood its importance and have had years of waiting. Watching my friends cry and connect with this ancient structure, made me realize how amazing this trip is. It’s giving so many people the opportunity to align themselves with their Judaism and history.

The night wasn’t over yet. We headed to the HUC for a Debbie Friedman memorial concert. I consider Debbie Friedman and her music to be the primary reason that I continue to practice and participate in Judaism. So, I obviously love her music. We sang, danced, celebrated, and commemorated her music and legend. The ruach (spirit) of the room was amazing. And a great side note: Emily Schwartz, a former OSRUI song leader, was at the concert as part of the HUC choir. It was wonderful to see everyone share and celebrate Debbie’s music.

But the night still wasn’t over!! We headed over to the Mamillah Mall in Jerusalem. For the concert, a few teens from EIE were able to bring their guitars and lead some songs at the concert. At the mall, which is outdoors, they set up their guitars and laid out one of the cases for money. After shopping for awhile, everyone who wasn’t playing guitar formed a circle around them and sang with them. Singing “One Day” in a huge circle, with random Israelis gathering around us to watch was simply awe-inspiring.

We kept the ruach going on the bus ride home, as my friend Ethan and I got the entire bus to start singing random songs. We did everything from Britney to Queen to Grease. It was great to see all these new friends, of only one week, come together and bond.

It was an amazing night that I never wanted to end.

Thanks for reading!
Shoshana J

First Shabbat

Today is Shabbat. Last night, we all shared in a Kabbalat Shabbat service, ate, and met some Israelis that live on the Kibbutz. Afterwards, a few of us went back to my friends room and just hing out. It was a great way to spend our first Shabbat in the holy land. This morning we had, what I thought, were lovely services.

So during Friday night services, we sang a few songs that I hadn’t heard since camp (Chaulitzim 2012!!). Me and the fellow OSRUI-ites kept looking at each other and doing the small hand motions and verbal add-ins. It was great to see the other camps do their own traditions too. But something about services this morning had me so incredibly nostalgic. We began singing Oseh Shalom (the one with “Oseh! Shalom!” in between the chorus). I hadn’t heard that song in 2 years. It was the middle of the service, everyone was still participating but with much less spirit. But as soon as that song started playing, I literally jumped in seat and began singing aloud. Not gonna lie, I almost started crying simply form the memories and love that are instilled in that song.

So for all of your from OSRUI that are reading this, I miss you guys and can’t wait to be back with my family this summer (fingers crossed I get in).

Shoshana J

Day 4

Day four. It’s cold. I still need sunscreen. That pretty much sums up today, January 31^st. We went on a great archeological dig. We were broken up into three groups and we each got to dig for old pottery, climb through old traps used to catch the Romans, and take a tour of old cemeteries.  The great thing about all these places is that we were looking and exploring ruins from the time of Bar-Kochba, who to some people was believed to be the Messiah.

But tonight is Shabbat, so once we got back to the Kibbutz we all just chilled out and cleaned. A lot.

The trip has been great so far. Despite the long school hours (11 to be exact), I’m enjoying what I’m learning. Yesterday in class we discussed creation. We looked at different stories of creation, and debated how we see God. One of the arguments was the limit of God’s power. Should he be able to control all that humans do or simply create them. It prompted me to think about the extent of our free will. Is it boundless and completely up to us or is God in there somewhere. Did he just create us and let us think? Is he in our head guiding us somewhere? Or were we created in his image, with certain characteristics that he chose that influence us? There are many possibilities, but my preference is the third description. We have limitless free will, but the way that we were each specifically made, in God’s image, us certain instincts or decision making skills. I hope that makes sense.

Tomorrow we are headed to Jerusalem and to a Debbie Friedman memorial concert. Its going to be amazing. Lets just hope that an old Jewish women doesn’t yell at me again.

Shabbat Shalom,

Shoshana J