|
|
March 25, 2005
Learning more about Judaism
Hillel brings students of all backgrounds together for many reasons.
TAMARA SEGALL-TAUB
What is Jewish education? I should know - I've lived in Israel;
I've attended Jewish day school, I've had bat mitzvah lessons and
I've watched half of my family trade in their Conservative lifestyles
for a whole lot more Torah.
I knew a lot about Judaism when I started university, but I didn't
feel very connected to the Jewish community. I didn't know what
being Jewish meant for me and what my place was. The complex concept
of "Jewish community" felt intimidating and overwhelming.
The "Jewish community" did not seem like a homogeneous
group at all.
First, as far as I could see, it consisted of indecipherable denominations
not limited to but including the Modern Orthodox Jews, the Chabadniks,
the Traditionalists, the Sabras, the Reformers, the we-keep-kosher-at-home-ers
and the ones who proudly state, "I have a Jewish aunt and I
like kugel!"
In university, I learned that being Jewish is a combination of a
religious identity, a cultural identity, an ethnic identity, a national
identity and sometimes even a political identity. I did not learn
this in my upper level English courses or even in Religion 101,
but through my involvement with Hillel.
Vancouver Hillel is a dynamic organization that caters to Jews between
the ages of 18 and 26. Its programming includes the social, religious,
educational, humanitarian, cultural and political. In response to
the rise in anti-Israel propaganda on university campuses, and I
am thinking particularly of Concordia in Montreal, there has been
a spotlight on Hillel's Israel advocacy initiatives.
It is exciting that, despite the differences among Jews, we can
rally together when there's a need to effect change, to protest,
to support or to educate. Just last week, the Israel Advocacy Club
(IAC) put on a phenomenal display in the Student Union Building
for the very successful Israel Week at the University of British
Columbia. However, you don't have to be on the cutting edge of advocacy
to be Jewish. Even if that's not your niche, there's room for you,
too, at Hillel.
Hillel is the umbrella organization for the IAC and the Jewish Students'
Association (JSA). The JSA performs an important role in promoting
Jewish life on campus. During this school year, the JSA has been
very active. It's raised awareness about the situation in Darfur
through a dinner called Shabbat Sudan, held a 24-hour vigil in remembrance
of the Holocaust, hosted a beer garden, organized numerous Rosh
Chodesh (Head of the Month, New Moon) events, made more than
3,000 sandwiches to feed the hungry and have implemented the Green
Ribbon campaign to fight indifference.
As the social chair for the JSA, I have asked myself, "How
am I changing the world by throwing a party?" Maybe I'm not.
But I am doing something very important. Hillel's motto is "Jews
doing Jewish with other Jews" and, if I've learned one thing
while at university, it's my role in creating community.
Currently, the JSA is busy planning a semi-formal, a Masquerade
Ball called Au Soiree Masque, to take place on March 27, just in
time for Purim. This event will be an opportunity for young Jewish
people from all over the Lower Mainland to come together and create
community.
Vancouver Hillel is even inviting Jews from Victoria, Bellingham
and Seattle. The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver has
been supportive of this event, generously providing the Wosk Auditorium
as the venue. This event will include a dessert buffet, an open
bar, a raffle, entertainment and music DJ-ed by Beyond Sound.
My undergraduate university experience is quickly coming to a close,
as I realize I have only six weeks of classes, five assignments
and three exams left before I finish my BA. Hillel, however, has
opened a door to the Jewish community that will stay open for a
lifetime. I'm sure these next few weeks of school will be a blur.
I will probably forget much of what I've been studying about medieval
Spanish, but there's no doubt in my mind that the memories made
at Hillel's upcoming Masquerade Ball, and the knowledge I've gained
about my role in creating community, will stay with me forever.
Tickets for the ball are $30. Call 778-889-5559.
Tamara Segall-Taub is the social chair of the Hillel Jewish
Students' Association at the University of British Columbia.
^TOP
|
|
