My Jewish Life

            In my life today, it is not very hard for me to be Jewish. I’ve grown up in a very Jewish family in a city and school system with a large Jewish population, so I’ve never felt like a minority or like my Judaism was hurting me. That said, there have definitely been instances in which my religion has affected me somewhat negatively. Even though I have many Jewish friends, my observance and dedication to Judaism are always something for me to consider. I can’t (and don’t want to) do things on holidays or on Shabbat, I keep kosher, I am very involved in my temple and in NFTY, and I have a lot of Jewish friends I like to be with when I’m not in school. For all of those reasons, my social life at home is often determined by Judaism. However, because Judaism is so important to me, when I do find myself choosing between Judaism and something else, Judaism wins most of the time. If a friend wants to hang out, and it is Passover, I would (and do) say that I’m unavailable. To me, my family and tradition are just much more important than being with friends, so it’s rarely a hard decision for me. In that regard, I feel extremely blessed. I know that many people do not have the ability to be so open about their religion, and I really love and appreciate that I can.  

We could all use a little more Shabbat in our lives

                Of the many ways that my daily life has changed since I’ve been in Israel, without a doubt, my favorite part has been Shabbat. School days can (and do) get monotonous, and after a while, the days blend together. Wake up, school, homework, sleep. Repeat. Not any different than my life at home. But when Friday comes, it all changes. In addition to the T’fillot, which I love, the weekends here are just so relaxing and refreshing. Being able to really spend several hours doing absolutely nothing after a long week of school is magical. Last weekend, my friends and I found a nice sunny spot of grass to lay in, listened to music, and just relaxed and took in the beautiful day. I don’t know about other teenagers, but I definitely do not do that at home. Being able to just let all the stress go and take a break is a really healthy and important thing, and it's something I have thoroughly enjoyed since I've been here. The attitude on Shabbat in this country is so unique, and it's been really cool to see how the entire country just stops and collectively relaxes for two days. The three Shabbats we've been here for have been awesome (especially leading Havdalah and a Saturday morning service), and I cannot wait for many, many more relaxing, fun, and refreshing Shabbats in the months to come. If only it could be Shabbat every day...

Weird Tradition, Important Meaning

In Meir Soloveichik's article, "Why Jews Used to Ear Dried Carob on Tu b'Shvat," the strange tradition of eating carobs on Tu b'Shvat is discussed. While I've never eaten (or heard of) a carob before, the message of the article was still relatable. Essentially, regardless of the custom, it's important for Jews to find some way to connect to the land of Israel and to our past. Whether that be through eating dried carobs on Tu b'Shvat, going to Israel (for four months perhaps?), or any other form of connection, that is one of the most intrinsic parts of our religion. Everyone connects differently, and there is no right or wrong way, but finding our own way is crucial. For me, being in Israel and being able to connect with the land and history has been incredible, and it's only just beginning. But since there are Jews living everywhere in the world who speak different languages and practice Judaism differently, the only was for us to remain connected is our tradition. There's no one single tradition, but anything that brings us closer to Israel and each other is important. Even if it's a gross carob.

Check out the article here: http://mosaicmagazine.com/observation/2015/02/why-jews-used-to-eat-dried-carob-on-tu-bshvat/

Different Country, Different Language, Same Message

                For Shabbat this week, we went to different temples for services, and I went to one in Tel Aviv. It was a very cool experience, and I really enjoyed the service. I did, however, notice several differences in the way they prayed. The biggest difference was that instead of saying “Adonai” when the text said “yud-hay-vav-hay,” they said “Havayah,” which would be the literal reading of the word. The congregation also chanted the Chatzi Kaddish before the Amidah, said “malcheinu” in Hashkiveinu instead of “shomreinu,” stood for V’shamru, and did a different and much longer Aleinu. Even though it was a reform congregation, a lot of prayers and songs were sung differently, and it was absolutely fascinating.

                In addition to the learning experience, the service also helped me to realize something very important about Judaism. We may speak different languages, live in different countries, and do some things differently in our services, but we’re all Jews. We all pray to the same God with the same words and messages, and that bonds us together. Though some more conservative, Orthodox Jews may disagree, I think that our similarities and connections bring us together, no matter how we say certain words or when we stand during the service. I think that was why this service was so special. It was very different from a service at my home congregation, but at the same time, it was incredibly similar. Some melodies were different, we used a different prayer book, and we were in a hotel rather than an actual synagogue, but we were all just Jews praying together. And that’s very powerful.

Judaism and OCD: Is There Such Thing as a "Bad Jew?"

        In our world today, there are approximately 18.2 million Jews. 18.2 million people living in every corner of the Earth with a common ancestry, culture, and background. Even though we all identify differently, we all have one important characteristic in common. We're all Jews. No matter what else one may identify as, or other qualities or characteristics that make up who we are, we all have that one significant thing in common.

        In Rebecca Klempner's article entitled "Obsessive. Compulsive. And Orthodox.", Klempner reflects on the difficulties she faces living with OCD as an Orthodox Jew. While the article as a whole was fascinating, there was one specific idea she touched on that really stood out to me. While struggling with strange images that came to her while praying because of her OCD, she worried that it made her a "bad Jew." What does it mean to be a "bad Jew"? That idea really interests me. There is no right way to be Jewish (ignoring, of course, denominational differences in interpretation and practice). There are plenty of people in this world who may not be as observant as others, or who don't act righteously 100% of the time like we are supposed to. But all 18.2 million of us are different people, bonded together by just one aspect of who we are. So how can we be expected to all be Jewish in the same way? Well, we can't. And just because somebody thinks about Jesus, or makes a mistake, that doesn't make them a "bad Jew," or even a bad person. It makes them human.

Check out the article here:
http://tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/188464/obsessive-compulsive-orthodox

The Ultimate Separation: Havdalah at the Kotel

Hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol. Sizzle. My favorite sound of the week. The sound made when the Havdalah candle is extinguished by the wine is like nothing else. It may just be the sound of a fire going out, but it represents something so much more. Havdallah is meant to end Shabbat, and begin the new week, distinguishing the sacred, “kodesh,” from the everyday, “l’chol.” We aren't just ending Shabbat, we are turning over a new leaf, beginning a new week full of new opportunities and new chances. For us here on EIE, that is especially fitting. Yes, we are separating Shabbat from the rest of the week, but we are also separating our lives back home and our new lives here in Israel. We all come from different places and backgrounds, and now we are one Kehilla Kedosha. We are here together now, and we all have the opportunity to start anew. We can be whoever we want here, regardless of our actions or reputations at home. We can be better people, we can be more ourselves, there is nothing holding us back. The transition has been made, and we’re finally here! And what better way to symbolize that, than with a Havdalah service on one of our first days together?

The service was particularly special for me. In terms of our traditions and actions as Jews, prayer is probably my favorite. Growing up at URJ Eisner Camp and now being in NFTY, I've truly grown to love services and prayer. Shabbat and weekly T’fillot are great, but Havdalah has always been my favorite. It’s more special to me, and of course the music and prayers and fantastic. So for me, my passion and enjoyment were immensely escalated this time around. Not only did we have Havdalah in Israel, but we did it at the Kotel. Something about singing those same songs and seeing the same sights I've always seen during Havdalah, but with the walls and Jerusalem skyline in the background, it was just amazing. Havdalah is a beautiful service, one of my favorites, and being able to sing together in Jerusalem and at the Kotel was an incredible experience, one that I won’t likely forget.