Reflection

I thought I would use my last blog entry to reflect on this past semester and my time taking F359, Exploring Jewish Identity Today.  I was really excited to take this course, for I knew quite a few people who took it last Spring and really enjoyed the class.  I was really excited because I had heard how interactive and not based on listening to a teacher lecturing.

I've gotten the opportunity to learn a lot of new things and expand my learning on topics that I might have already known.  It was a great class, and I encourage anyone who can to take it in the future.  I hope that I will be able to use my newfound knowledge in the future as I continue my undergraduate studies as a Jewish Studies major.

Remember The 6 Million...

The other day was Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Commemorated all over the world, it is the day in which people all over the world remember the six million lives lost during the Holocaust, and pray for peace and hope in the future.  It only seemed fitting that we spent Monday in class discussing the Holocaust and how it is portrayed in American society today.

I actually found it quite interesting to compare the five different Holocaust museums and memorials.  The only one of those that I had been to was the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, so it was really interesting to see how they all were similar and yet also quite different.  It was cool to see how different locations embrace the Holocaust in different ways.  For instance, in Los Angeles, they really just focus on the Holocaust when it happened and nothing before or after.  On the other hand, in New York, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, it does not focus so much on the Holocaust but rather emphasizes on the idea of differentiating between the past, the present and the future.  There is a huge emphasis on Jewish renewal and maintaining Jewish values and ideals after the Holocaust, something I really liked learning about.

I am not related to anyone in the Holocaust, but I know people who were in it and just hearing their stories makes me feel a connection to them.  Like discussed in class, you do not have to be personally connected to the Holocaust to feel a connection.  The Holocaust helped the Jewish people as a whole, and it is important for Jews from all over to understand that they will always have a connection to the Holocaust.

SaveHUC.com

Last week, the HUC, or the Hebrew Union College, which is the Reform center for Rabbinical studies, made an announcement that they might be closing the doors of their Cincinnati location, the heart and soul of the HUC.  When I heard this, I was shocked and in disbelief.  Yes, the HUC also has locations in Israel, Los Angeles & New York, but Cincinnati is where it all began.  It's the largest of the campuses, and since it is located in the midwest it is considered to be the central campus.  Before reading further into the issue and why the HUC is considering closing the Cincinnati location, I felt as if they would be making a terrible decision in doing so.

It wasn't until I discovered the website SaveHUC.com, which was created just recently, that I learned more about why the HUC wants to do this.  The main reason is that the HUC is facing a huge debt, so it might lead to closing not only one, but two of the four campuses.  Ideally, people would like to see campuses on each of the coasts, because of the heavier Jewish populations located there.  I understand why this would be the preferred way of picking which campuses remain, but at the same time I still do not necessarily agree with it.

The HUC-Cincinnati campus is central to the well-being of Reform Jewish life during and after graduating college.  It is the birthplace of the Reform Rabbincal schooling system, and by shutting it down you are shutting down history for the Hebrew Union College.  I do hope that people realize that when determining if, and which ones, any of the locations need to be closed.  Yes, it's a shame that they are so much in debt - but what about the future for Reform Judaism?

Hangover Hillel?

This morning, I woke up and one of my friends asked me if I would like to go with her to an event at Hillel called "Hangover Hillel."  Initially, the thought of curing a hangover at Hillel made me laugh - but when I thought about it more, I was soon puzzled by the idea that Hillel would associate themselves with the unhealthy habits associated with Indiana University's Little 500.  Are they doing it for kicks, or is there a real purpose behind the event?  I understand that it's a good way for those involved in Hillel to come together after a fun weekend of watching the races, but what Jewish values are involved behind it?  To me, I see none.  I see it as a way to promote Hillel, but nothing more.

Personally, I would recommend that those involved in planning in the event possibly rethink what they want to get out of the event.  I completely understand wanting to spread the word about Hillel, but what Jewish context is there behind it?  Or do those think it is not necessary to have Jewish context behind an event sponsored by the Jewish center on campus?  I hope this event was planned with good intentions, and not just as a joke way to celebrate the end of the Little 500 weekend.

Jews and Genes

What connection is there between Jews and genetics?  Better yet, is there an actual link between the two?  Does being Jewish mean you come with certain genes, and if you are not Jewish you lack in those genes?  All of these are really great questions, but will there ever be a solid answer?  In my opinion, probably not.  It is such a controversial issue as it is, so reaching some conclusion about it seems quite far fetched.

What makes a Jew different than others?  Personally, I think it's not the physical, genetical details but the emotional and belief systems the person holds.  It is very clear that Jews and Christians, share quite different beliefs and do things in different manners.  But that does not necessarily mean that Jews share the same genetic background.  Everyone has different traits to distinguish themselves to be unique, and there is no exception based off of religion or what not.

Consider this some food for thought - what makes a Jew stand out?  Do genes really matter or not?

Celebrating Passover AND Easter

This year, I had a quite different experience celebrating Passover - because I also had the chance to experience what it's like to celebrate Easter with one of my sorority sisters in South Bend.

The week started off normally, with attending a seder at Hillel.  I decided not to keep Passover this year for personal reasons, and most people I talked to seemed not to mind in the slightest, which was a relief; for last year, when living on the Jewish Studies FIG floor, I felt like I was looked down upon for not doing things such as keeping Passover and what not.

I then, this past weekend, went to my friends' house in South Bend to "celebrate" Easter with her.  I do not personally believe I celebrated, but I was there with her family, and even went to church.  Her family is Lutheran, and her dad is actually the pastor at their church.  I will admit, I was definitely nervous at first and had no idea what to expect.  I've been to church when I was younger, but only once or twice.  However, when I was there I didn't feel any pressure or worry whatsoever.  My friend Amanda guided me throughout the service, and at parts during communion it felt normal to stay in my seat, and not go up to the front of the room.  I actually really enjoyed sitting through the Easter service, because it made me more aware of other religions and their customs and traditions.

I encourage everyone to try something new in their lives, especially pertaining to another religion.  Try attending sunday Mass or go meet someone who works at a church.  Learn more about other religions, because like it did with me, it really opens up your eyes.

Creating a Jewish Studies Curriculum

I really enjoyed working in groups on Monday to create a Jewish Studies curriculum for a secular university.  It was really interesting to develop a good program for Jewish Studies students.  I myself am a Jewish Studies major, and there are definitely things about the current curriculum that could use some improvement here at Indiana University.

One thing that was discussed that I strongly agreed with in my group was the need to have a core curriculum, and then to break things down into more specific concentrations, based on the needs of individual students.  I, for instance, am interested in becoming a Jewish professional, and I feel like in order to achieve that I need to take more classes aimed towards that, perhaps through SPEA or the Kelley school.  I feel like that having classes to suit different interests, such as Jewish professionalism or rabbinical and cantorial students would make more students at a given university be interested in learning more about the Jewish Studies program.

Maybe those who have changes should discuss and meet with the Jewish Studies department.  I, in fact, am planning on doing that when I meet next with Carolyn Lipson-Walker.  I feel it is very important to give input on the Jewish Studies program, because there is always room for improvement.