I wonder if a driving instructor’s son is petrified of getting in the car with his friends. If so, I know how he feels.
Going to school five hours away from home required me to find a new place to get a haircut. This being the first time I was away from my barber/father for an extended period of time. I went into downtown Bloomington and found a place that had the look and feel of an authentic barbershop. My dad even did the work of bringing in free clippers to give to the man, so that my haircuts would come for free for a little while.
The first time I went, the man was nice, gave me a free haircut, and wished me a good few weeks until I came back next time. With how often I was able to go home first semester, I only went in one time during the first four months of school. Second semester, though, I went a full month before cracking and deciding to make an appointment. When I walked in, though, I found that the old man had retired. In his place was a young, bleach-blonde kid, who was dressed more like a frat boy than the hair-sculptors that I was accustomed to.
I sat in the chair and told the guy what I wanted. I should have known how the rest of the experience would go when he asked me “So you want a 1 guard along the back?” I guess I am cursed with having a trainer and technical expert as a father, because I know that no respectable barber would ask the question like that.
When the dust had settled, I think I walked away with a pretty good haircut. Was it as good as what I would have gotten from my father? Of course not. But it will most definitely do for the next few weeks. Plus, the barber had a good attitude, and I enjoyed making small talk, which is a very different experience when you don’t have to live under the same roof as the guy.
When the cut was over, I had to do something I’ve never done before: I had to actually reach for my wallet. The haircut was reasonably affordable, but the thought of paying for a haircut was definitely not one that I had ever considered.
Overall, the barbershop that I went to did an excellent job of attempting to keep up with my exceptional expectations. It was a enjoyable time, and definitely the second best option to my own basement.
End result: I’m waiting until I go home for the next one.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Israel at home
Since the creation of this blog, the background cover art has depicted an American flag and an Israeli flag on the backdrop of Capital Hill. I thought, at the time, this was appropriate because my blog was intended to share my perspective as both an American and a Jew.
This week, I had the beautiful opportunity to travel to Israel as a delegate for Netzer Veida. It was my first experience in Israel, after having so much education and programming thrown at me on the country. I had heard so much of other’s opinions, and I was finally getting the chance to develop my own.
I experienced four different cities, many tourist attractions, holy sites, and conference rooms. I visited museums, visited museums, heard speakers, and took pictures. For ten spectacular days, I got the chance to create a very person connection with the Jewish homeland.
Now that I am home, my goal is to dissect what Israel means to me. By no means do I think the answer is fixed; I changed my view a thousand times before I even touched the holy ground. Yet it is important for me to understand what I am thinking and feeling.
I have heard all kinds of people come back from Israel trips and moan about having to live in America. They miss Israel, want to live there, want that culture. I wasn’t sure if I would have the same feelings when I came back. Now that I have been there and back, I can safely say I don’t want to live in Israel. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy my time there, or don’t love Israel and what it stands for. But I also very much enjoy and love the country that I currently reside in. I have an incredible degree of patriotism and love for the United States, and I cherish the opportunity to live here.
One of the best parts of Israel was having a community in which Judaism is the norm, rather than the exception. That being said, America offers me the opportunity to live a Jewish life alongside those like and unlike me. I commented on my trip that if all Jews move to Israel, we will be left with a very ignorant diaspora. I want to be a part of the education of America about what Jewish culture looks like and feels like.
Now I started this blog with a conversation about my choice in cover art. I did this because I think that photo best summarizes my view on Israel. I have a strong and deep place in my heart for both Israel and America. I feel a need to advocate on behalf of both of my countries. Yet, as I mentioned before, the backdrop is the American Capital Hill. To me, this means that my advocacy for Israel must come from my home, from America, as a form of diaspora-based Zionism.
This week, I had the beautiful opportunity to travel to Israel as a delegate for Netzer Veida. It was my first experience in Israel, after having so much education and programming thrown at me on the country. I had heard so much of other’s opinions, and I was finally getting the chance to develop my own.
I experienced four different cities, many tourist attractions, holy sites, and conference rooms. I visited museums, visited museums, heard speakers, and took pictures. For ten spectacular days, I got the chance to create a very person connection with the Jewish homeland.
Now that I am home, my goal is to dissect what Israel means to me. By no means do I think the answer is fixed; I changed my view a thousand times before I even touched the holy ground. Yet it is important for me to understand what I am thinking and feeling.
I have heard all kinds of people come back from Israel trips and moan about having to live in America. They miss Israel, want to live there, want that culture. I wasn’t sure if I would have the same feelings when I came back. Now that I have been there and back, I can safely say I don’t want to live in Israel. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy my time there, or don’t love Israel and what it stands for. But I also very much enjoy and love the country that I currently reside in. I have an incredible degree of patriotism and love for the United States, and I cherish the opportunity to live here.
One of the best parts of Israel was having a community in which Judaism is the norm, rather than the exception. That being said, America offers me the opportunity to live a Jewish life alongside those like and unlike me. I commented on my trip that if all Jews move to Israel, we will be left with a very ignorant diaspora. I want to be a part of the education of America about what Jewish culture looks like and feels like.
Now I started this blog with a conversation about my choice in cover art. I did this because I think that photo best summarizes my view on Israel. I have a strong and deep place in my heart for both Israel and America. I feel a need to advocate on behalf of both of my countries. Yet, as I mentioned before, the backdrop is the American Capital Hill. To me, this means that my advocacy for Israel must come from my home, from America, as a form of diaspora-based Zionism.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Theo the Hero
If the Cubs are ever going to break their streak of ineptitude, I think they have found the man to do it. Theo Epstein has taken the helm of the Loveable Losers and has totally revamped the way the team addresses the offseason, making small farm-team acquisitions to strengthen the future, rather than throwing large sums of money at players like Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols.
His offseason strategy, though, is not what makes me think he can be the one to end the curse. What really convinces me is the fact that we have a Jewish guy leading the team, one that, in my eyes, epitomizes Jewish sports fandom.
Why are the Cubs the definition of a Jewish sports team? First of all, the Cubs are one of the oldest teams in the league, dating way back to the days of being called the Black Stockings. The longevity of both the Chicago baseball franchise as well as the Jewish faith forms a bond that literally runs deep.
Additionally, there is a running joke that says that the description of all Jewish holidays is “they tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat.” This goes hand in hand with the Cubs, as they have spent over a century being targeted and beaten by others. The only difference is that the Cubs have yet to have their big vanquishing of evil. They have yet to climb the mountain and demonstrate their ability to prevail over every foe. Although that is what Theo is for.
Finally, and most importantly, there is the single most significant ingredient in both being Jewish and being a Cubs fan. I speak from experience, as someone who is constantly being asked about my spiritual customs, as well as my baseball ideology. That component is faith. It takes a supreme act of faith to be a Cubs fan, and to continue to rest our hopes on the idea of “Next year,” with no guarantees that that will ever come to fruition. Yet any native of Chicago will tell you that the livelihood of the city rests within the outcome at Wrigley Field.
Now, though, comes the eternal question: what will make next year any different than any other? Mah nishtana ha shavua ha ze mi col halelot? (see what I did there? :)) The answer is Theo Epstein. If the name didn’t give it away, Theo is a Member of the Tribe and ready to take the league by storm with his specialized revamping of an organization. He is willing to play the game differently, to create a unit of guys on the field built differently than any of the other 29 they will compete against, and to tolerate criticism in the hopes for results. But, most importantly, he is Jewish.
The bringing together of baseball’s top Jewish executive to the Chosen Team will eventually lead to victory, and to the deliverance to The Promised Land. Now, I have just one recommendation for Mr. Epstein: Let the Jews stay in the office and off the field. There aren’t 9 players in the league who are Jewish AND talented. So let The Chosen Team have a couple of the non-believers on the team, just as a form of interfaith experience.
God bless the Chicago Cubs.
His offseason strategy, though, is not what makes me think he can be the one to end the curse. What really convinces me is the fact that we have a Jewish guy leading the team, one that, in my eyes, epitomizes Jewish sports fandom.
Why are the Cubs the definition of a Jewish sports team? First of all, the Cubs are one of the oldest teams in the league, dating way back to the days of being called the Black Stockings. The longevity of both the Chicago baseball franchise as well as the Jewish faith forms a bond that literally runs deep.
Additionally, there is a running joke that says that the description of all Jewish holidays is “they tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat.” This goes hand in hand with the Cubs, as they have spent over a century being targeted and beaten by others. The only difference is that the Cubs have yet to have their big vanquishing of evil. They have yet to climb the mountain and demonstrate their ability to prevail over every foe. Although that is what Theo is for.
Finally, and most importantly, there is the single most significant ingredient in both being Jewish and being a Cubs fan. I speak from experience, as someone who is constantly being asked about my spiritual customs, as well as my baseball ideology. That component is faith. It takes a supreme act of faith to be a Cubs fan, and to continue to rest our hopes on the idea of “Next year,” with no guarantees that that will ever come to fruition. Yet any native of Chicago will tell you that the livelihood of the city rests within the outcome at Wrigley Field.
Now, though, comes the eternal question: what will make next year any different than any other? Mah nishtana ha shavua ha ze mi col halelot? (see what I did there? :)) The answer is Theo Epstein. If the name didn’t give it away, Theo is a Member of the Tribe and ready to take the league by storm with his specialized revamping of an organization. He is willing to play the game differently, to create a unit of guys on the field built differently than any of the other 29 they will compete against, and to tolerate criticism in the hopes for results. But, most importantly, he is Jewish.
The bringing together of baseball’s top Jewish executive to the Chosen Team will eventually lead to victory, and to the deliverance to The Promised Land. Now, I have just one recommendation for Mr. Epstein: Let the Jews stay in the office and off the field. There aren’t 9 players in the league who are Jewish AND talented. So let The Chosen Team have a couple of the non-believers on the team, just as a form of interfaith experience.
God bless the Chicago Cubs.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Political drive
I got the chance to hear the President of the United States speak at the Union for Reform Judaism's Biennial this past weekend. The speech was fantastic, and really demonstrated that Obama knew his audience and was committed to making this a good presentation. It was, after all, geared toward a Jewish community that could be influential in his re-election campaign.
After leaving the event, I heard many people say that they were voting for Obama in the coming election because of this speech. Now, I will say that after this event, I have a better idea of who I am going to vote for, but it has nothing to do with anything Obama said during his speech. As a matter of fact, I would have come to the same realization whether Obama had attended Biennial or not.
Throughout the weekend, I had the opportunity to be in on conversations going on about all of the most important issues within Reform Judaism. We discussed personal expression with NFTY's teens, we discussed the transition of leadership from Rabbi Yoffie to Rabbi Jacobs, and, most importantly, we discussed the importance of Youth Engagement, and how to properly attain more involvement from our youth communities.
Throughout all of this discussion, I was basically told what it is that the Union for Reform Judaism stands for. I came to discover that I too agreed on many of these stances. These ideas included standing up for human rights, for peace, and for understanding amongst all of us. These seem like basic things to stand up for, yet so often we, as people, lose sight of the importance of continually reminding ourselves what it is that is important to us.
In this way, I came out of the event knowing who I will most likely vote for in an election, not because of any one candidate, but because I know better what I want from a candidate. I know what it is that I find most significant to my view of a better America, a better American Jewry, and, most specifically, the best way to a better Global union amongst all people.
Not only did I walk out of this event with a better self-perception politically, but I also walked out with a renewed passion for lifelong Jewish learning and commitment. I so much enjoyed all of the elements of the weekend that I want to continue to work with the Union for Reform Judaism to make our campaigns a success, and our visions reality. By any one of us, our cause will most definitely fail. But as one collective voice, we as a movement are a force to be reckoned with. I am excited to work for a positive change in our world as a part of the Union for Reform Judaism.
After leaving the event, I heard many people say that they were voting for Obama in the coming election because of this speech. Now, I will say that after this event, I have a better idea of who I am going to vote for, but it has nothing to do with anything Obama said during his speech. As a matter of fact, I would have come to the same realization whether Obama had attended Biennial or not.
Throughout the weekend, I had the opportunity to be in on conversations going on about all of the most important issues within Reform Judaism. We discussed personal expression with NFTY's teens, we discussed the transition of leadership from Rabbi Yoffie to Rabbi Jacobs, and, most importantly, we discussed the importance of Youth Engagement, and how to properly attain more involvement from our youth communities.
Throughout all of this discussion, I was basically told what it is that the Union for Reform Judaism stands for. I came to discover that I too agreed on many of these stances. These ideas included standing up for human rights, for peace, and for understanding amongst all of us. These seem like basic things to stand up for, yet so often we, as people, lose sight of the importance of continually reminding ourselves what it is that is important to us.
In this way, I came out of the event knowing who I will most likely vote for in an election, not because of any one candidate, but because I know better what I want from a candidate. I know what it is that I find most significant to my view of a better America, a better American Jewry, and, most specifically, the best way to a better Global union amongst all people.
Not only did I walk out of this event with a better self-perception politically, but I also walked out with a renewed passion for lifelong Jewish learning and commitment. I so much enjoyed all of the elements of the weekend that I want to continue to work with the Union for Reform Judaism to make our campaigns a success, and our visions reality. By any one of us, our cause will most definitely fail. But as one collective voice, we as a movement are a force to be reckoned with. I am excited to work for a positive change in our world as a part of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Week 3 Northwest
My coastal journey continued from Boston to Seattle last weekend. This time I departed for the Fall Kallah of NFTY Northwest, a region which I had wanted to see for a long time. I chose it as one of my two travel regions, so as to get the chance to see a city I had never seen before, as well as to get to see a region that I had only heard about, never experienced, to that point.
Upon arrival at the Seattle-Tacoma airport, I had the chance to meet up with Melissa, my advisor, who was joining me on the trip. It was good to know I went to the event with her, as I felt as though she knew much more about the region than I; plus, spending a little extra time with her was a blessing that I got to experience.
To get to the event, it was necessary to drive onto a ferry, and get across the Sound. Again this was a first, having never experienced a ferry ride. I was utterly breathless as I looked over the side of the boat to view to skyline and the water. The whole area seemed to be one of the most beautiful places I had ever been, and I cherished the opportunity to see it. If it were not for my NFTY travels, I would most definitely not have had the opportunity to travel to this part of the world.
When I finally arrived at the actual event, I was instantly impressed by the region. It seemed as though the community that they had built was one that totally required the checking of all ego and discrimination. Although we ideally strive for total equality and love amongst our participants in NFTY, it can often be harder said than done. In NFTY-NW, there seemed to be no social classes; everyone seemed to get along and, at the very least, respect on another. This was strikingly beautiful to find in a community, and I was very pleased that I had gotten the chance to see it.
Over the course of the weekend, I experienced programming, services, and social action that was very well thought-out, planned, and executed. I was very delighted to see the amount of preparation and enthusiasm with which the regional board attacked each and every aspect of the weekend.
One of my biggest concerns going into the weekend was the question of how I would interact with participants. I know from past experience that there were times when North American board members hung out more with the adult staff and leadership, rather than the teens, and seemed to take an aloof leadership angle to the event. On the other hand, I had also heard of instances where board members had spent much of their time as “active participants,” going through the same experience as any other member of the community. It was from this angle that I chose to experience my event, and was greatly rewarded in my experience. I had the opportunity to meet people who I would otherwise have never met. Deeply committed NFTYites who were just as in love with our movement as I was came up to me throughout the weekend, and I got the chance to interact with almost everyone within the group. When those times when it was necessary for me to stand in front of the group and present something, the group was appropriately respectful, yet when I was trying to blend in with everyone else, I was able to have just as much fun because they treated me as a peer.
Upon my arrival home in Chicago, I had more friend requests than I had experienced since Convention in February. I can say that I most definitely made the right choice in going to an event in NFTY-NW, as I got to experience a region of the country I had never seen, featuring programming that was fascinatingly intriguing, filled with participants who were ecstatic to be there. Overall, for someone who doesn’t go to nearly enough regional events anymore, I’m glad NFTY-NW was the one I got to experience.
Upon arrival at the Seattle-Tacoma airport, I had the chance to meet up with Melissa, my advisor, who was joining me on the trip. It was good to know I went to the event with her, as I felt as though she knew much more about the region than I; plus, spending a little extra time with her was a blessing that I got to experience.
To get to the event, it was necessary to drive onto a ferry, and get across the Sound. Again this was a first, having never experienced a ferry ride. I was utterly breathless as I looked over the side of the boat to view to skyline and the water. The whole area seemed to be one of the most beautiful places I had ever been, and I cherished the opportunity to see it. If it were not for my NFTY travels, I would most definitely not have had the opportunity to travel to this part of the world.
When I finally arrived at the actual event, I was instantly impressed by the region. It seemed as though the community that they had built was one that totally required the checking of all ego and discrimination. Although we ideally strive for total equality and love amongst our participants in NFTY, it can often be harder said than done. In NFTY-NW, there seemed to be no social classes; everyone seemed to get along and, at the very least, respect on another. This was strikingly beautiful to find in a community, and I was very pleased that I had gotten the chance to see it.
Over the course of the weekend, I experienced programming, services, and social action that was very well thought-out, planned, and executed. I was very delighted to see the amount of preparation and enthusiasm with which the regional board attacked each and every aspect of the weekend.
One of my biggest concerns going into the weekend was the question of how I would interact with participants. I know from past experience that there were times when North American board members hung out more with the adult staff and leadership, rather than the teens, and seemed to take an aloof leadership angle to the event. On the other hand, I had also heard of instances where board members had spent much of their time as “active participants,” going through the same experience as any other member of the community. It was from this angle that I chose to experience my event, and was greatly rewarded in my experience. I had the opportunity to meet people who I would otherwise have never met. Deeply committed NFTYites who were just as in love with our movement as I was came up to me throughout the weekend, and I got the chance to interact with almost everyone within the group. When those times when it was necessary for me to stand in front of the group and present something, the group was appropriately respectful, yet when I was trying to blend in with everyone else, I was able to have just as much fun because they treated me as a peer.
Upon my arrival home in Chicago, I had more friend requests than I had experienced since Convention in February. I can say that I most definitely made the right choice in going to an event in NFTY-NW, as I got to experience a region of the country I had never seen, featuring programming that was fascinatingly intriguing, filled with participants who were ecstatic to be there. Overall, for someone who doesn’t go to nearly enough regional events anymore, I’m glad NFTY-NW was the one I got to experience.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Trip 2: CJTL
With the second weekend of my travel experience, I went to Boston, Massachusetts for the Coalition on Jewish Teen Leadership. This group was a collection of the leadership of the leading youth groups in Jewish America. NFTY, BBYO, and Young Judea were present, while USY and NCSY were unable to join us, but still hold a place in the think tank.
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
With the second weekend of my travel experience, I went to Boston, Massachusetts for the Coalition on Jewish Teen Leadership. This group was a collection of the leadership of the leading youth groups in Jewish America. NFTY, BBYO, and Young Judea were present, while USY and NCSY were unable to join us, but still hold a place in the think tank.
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
With the second weekend of my travel experience, I went to Boston, Massachusetts for the Coalition on Jewish Teen Leadership. This group was a collection of the leadership of the leading youth groups in Jewish America. NFTY, BBYO, and Young Judea were present, while USY and NCSY were unable to join us, but still hold a place in the think tank.
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Trip 1: HUC
Over the weekend, week one of my month of adventures, I was a participant at the Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion retreat for college students. I was able to go and experience programming alongside almost 20 other participants who were all very interested in pursuing lives of Jewish adulthood.
Throughout the weekend, there were several opportunities to get a glimpse of what Rabbinic school looks like, what is expected, and the excitement that is associated with being a leader within the Jewish clergy system. I was filled with pride knowing that most of the Rabbis that had had an influence on my Jewish education had all passed through this program.
One of the most meaningful elements of the trip was when we visited the Plum Street Synagogue, where the Rabbinic students walk up one flight of stairs to the bima, and walk down the other side as official Rabbis. The experience of seeing this beautiful, holy location really affected me, because I hope to one day make that trip.
When the trip was all said and done, I was very thankful that HUC had given me the option to participate. The experience was exceptional, because it was an opportunity for me to get together with like-minded individuals from colleges all across the country, who were interested in exploring elements of their faith, just as I was.
Additionally, the opportunity to experience the college and learn a little bit more about what it means to be a Rabbinic student made the whole thing a little more real, and a little more accessible. This also showed me just how important it is for me to continue my education, and gave me an academic goal to strive for.
Now that I am back at Indiana Unviersity, I am all the more excited to get deep into my Jewish Studies education. I have the chance to get myself off on the right foot, and I look forward to the chance to get an undergraduate education that will allow me to pursue my life goals in a beneficial and holy way.
Throughout the weekend, there were several opportunities to get a glimpse of what Rabbinic school looks like, what is expected, and the excitement that is associated with being a leader within the Jewish clergy system. I was filled with pride knowing that most of the Rabbis that had had an influence on my Jewish education had all passed through this program.
One of the most meaningful elements of the trip was when we visited the Plum Street Synagogue, where the Rabbinic students walk up one flight of stairs to the bima, and walk down the other side as official Rabbis. The experience of seeing this beautiful, holy location really affected me, because I hope to one day make that trip.
When the trip was all said and done, I was very thankful that HUC had given me the option to participate. The experience was exceptional, because it was an opportunity for me to get together with like-minded individuals from colleges all across the country, who were interested in exploring elements of their faith, just as I was.
Additionally, the opportunity to experience the college and learn a little bit more about what it means to be a Rabbinic student made the whole thing a little more real, and a little more accessible. This also showed me just how important it is for me to continue my education, and gave me an academic goal to strive for.
Now that I am back at Indiana Unviersity, I am all the more excited to get deep into my Jewish Studies education. I have the chance to get myself off on the right foot, and I look forward to the chance to get an undergraduate education that will allow me to pursue my life goals in a beneficial and holy way.
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