September 30, 2009 6:45 PM
Hey All,
So I spent this past summer at Yeshivat Hadar, and if there is one thing that I've realized it's that those 8 weeks were a gift, and I need to use all that I've gained there in an equally giving way. In a sense, those eight weeks were sort of selfish- I was studying all day, and had little time to focus on those around me- family and friends or the larger New York City community. Thankfully, the leadership at Hadar stressed over and over that the 8 weeks were meant to equip us with the tools to come back into our communities as lay-leaders, more effectively working towards the change that we want to see.It's ironic that it was at Hadar, surrounded by Jews and Jewish texts from 7am until 9pm, where I truly came to the conclusion that my Jewish identity is primarily important to me insofar as I am able to be as much of a part of the world as I can be. In other words, by grounding myself in both the tradition and well being of our particular community and a personal relationship with God, I can both provide and be provided with strength to always work for other people- be they Jewish or not. During my 8 weeks at Hadar, I was constantly reminded that what ultimately makes Judaism so special is that it considers itself not as a goal, but rather a means to a universal ends. Hadar solidified for me that this seemingly parodoxical idea is not only meant for the theoretical.
It's now (as you know) October, and I am in the middle of my first semester back at Middlebury College, in Vermont. I've been trying to spend my time here in ways that enrich both the Jewish community and the community-at-large. I've been leading meditations during Kabbalat Shabbat services, and have started a weekly Jewish philosophy discussion group (largely based on R' Shai Held's class, which I took at Hadar). I've tried to begin learning the Mishnayot of Seder Moed on my own or in chevruta. In the larger Middlebury community, I've arranged to start as a volunteer under the chaplain at a hospice in Middlebury. I also hope to begin working at Community Suppers, a free community-oriented meal on Friday afternoons in the Town of Middlebury.
This blog is going to be about all those things, and how I feel in general about living out the ideal mentioned above. It's not easy to think that way in a place that can be so hectic and self-involved as college, but I hope this can be another way in which I can take time to reflect for myself so that I can be a better part of the community here at Middlebury.
Lastly, on the left side of the blog is a ChipIn account to raise money for Hadar. If this post wasn't enough of an endorsement, I think the Yeshiva is up to amazing things and want to help out all I can in making sure it has enough funding to live out its vision. So please try and donate however much you can. If you want more information or anything like that, contact me at Judell12@gmail.com.
This 1st post was more formal than it should have been, but I just really wanted to clearly convey all the stuff I did- hope you keep tuning in!
Jacob
