Change In Pace

          While visiting the somewhat dreary land of Poland, our group, as a whole, experienced conflicting emotions regarding life and death. Traveling to the cute Jewish quarters in Tykocin, and then sharply taking a turn for the worse as we entered the mass graves deep in the forest really helped me to understand how quickly an atmosphere can change. Seeing my friends all around me feeling the same ups and downs that I was gave me a sense of family and safety.

        In downtown Tykocin, I saw an adorable little community that really showed me how important Judaism was to the people living there. While walking through the cute square in the center of town, I saw a Beit Kineset and menorahs on almost every corner. I have a pretty solid Jewish community in my town, but we don't have menorahs in our windows. Seeing Judaism being practiced openly in the people's homes really enforces the close feeling of a communal family.

          Unfortunately, the history of Tykocin did not stay in favor of the Jewish community. After being in a good mood for the first half of our day, we took a sharp downgrade and traveled to the mass graves deep in the forest near the main part of the town. Hearing the numerous first-hand accounts, and picturing innocent people being treated like animals sent shivers down my spine. During our time there, I took a few moments to myself and wrote in my journal. I reread it after and couldn't believe I had written such angry things:
                   "I don't understand. I don't understand how someone can be so evil as to mindlessly
                    murder hundreds of thousands of people. I can't exactly label how I feel. I'm a mixture
                    of many different emotions, and I'm not even sure what they are. For the first time, I'm
                    speechless. It sickens me. I have an awful, uncomfortable feeling in my stomach and in
                    heart. I've decided to light my candle here. To honor those innocent lives that were
                    tortured to their deaths. I don't know what to say. Trying to comprehend the sight of
                    mothers running with their children can't even appear in my mind. Everything around
                    me is gloomy now. It's as if the surroundings match my mood."

          I can't imagine how shocking it must be to have your life suddenly change. Having a settlement for hundreds of years, and then having it all taken away from you makes me feel deeply for the people of Tykocin. The question of "why?" is still unanswered to me. I don't think anyone will ever understand the Holocaust, and why people did what they did. I am, without doubt, on the far left end of the spectrum.

Carrying On Israel Through Our Words

Although the Jewish population has struggled with keeping the state of Israel, and struggled with keeping our identity, we've always managed to keep the Torah alive. As a people, we've learned to memorize the words of the Torah and pass them down to generations below us to ensure the continuation of the Jewish religion. Similar to what we talked about it class regarding the Torah Sheba'al Pe, or oral Torah, having a verbal account on events that have occurred in our nations history can be very beneficial.

Author Simon Schama believes that the state of Israel has been a continuously flourishing area due to the words of our people. He states, "The Torah had everything a mentally omnivorous culture needed." If, God forbid, all written accounts of the Torah were destroyed, we would have our minds to continue on the generations. 

Weekend Getaway

Over this past weekend, I went to Eilat with my friend Kira and her parents. Such an experience!! We went snorkeling in the Red Sea and saw the most beautiful fish. I couldn't believe how much I missed Tzuba and all my friends after only 2 days. How will I ever go home?!

Animal Fur: Keeping Kosher Or No?

Judaism gives you the freedom to express yourself, whether it's with your sect of choice, or your fashion. A big question that was raised, however, is whether or not it's okay for Jewish women, aside from your religious choices, to wear animal fur recreationally. Some women argue that they have the freedom to express themselves however they please, while others argue that it's 100% unkosher. If we can't eat unkosher meat, why should we be able to skin it? 

Another side of the story is whether or not it's okay for orthodox men to wear fur hats. Judaism is all about equality, including equality for men and women. It's a personal choice for many, but it also annoys a large group of people. Although the hats that the orthodox men wear aren't for fashion purposes, they're still wearing them. Why shouldn't that be the same for women?

I, personally, wouldn't wear real fur. I'm against harming animals for recreational purposes. However, I'm for expressing oneself, whether it's through music or fashion. Therefore, if it's your personal choice to wear fur, and it doesn't affect you religiously, then that's your choice and no one should be able to tell you how you can and can't express yourself. 

Hummus Changes All

While being in Israel, I've learned a lot about the history of the state and about the different cultures here. One aspect of the Israeli lifestyle that stuck out to me was the hummus. Don't get me wrong, hummus in the U.S. is good (when is it not?), but the hummus I've had while being here sent chills running throughout my body. I'd like to formally thank my Jewish History teacher, Aaron Gertz, for making the fabulous recommendation of Hummus Ben Sira, my new favorite place on the map. If you're ever looking for real, authentic, native hummus, you can stop searching. Take his word (and mine now, too) and you'll be the furthest thing from disappointed.

Parents In The Homeland

Yaaaay parents are coming! Unfortunately, mine aren't. BUT the connections I've made here are so strong, just being with my new friends here makes me feel like I'm with my family. I find it so incredible how close I've gotten with everyone, and it makes me the happiest person in the world. :)

#BabyBiggs

On February 15, Jason and Jenny Biggs welcomed a new baby boy into their family. 8 days later, the Biggs couple decided to have him circumcised. Unfortunately, the family's decision raised a heated argument regarding whether or not circumcision is morally correct.

Jenny, the mother of the newly born son, instagramed a picture of her child with the caption of "Today was not a good day to be Sid's penis. #babybiggs #circumcision" Her single post instigated many discussions which included people opposing the circumcision, and people defending their choice. One commenter stated, "He has to live with a mutilated penis because his parents are ignorant. #humanrightsviolation," while another rebutted with “Congrats and welcome to parenthood where everyone is right except for you! Where everyone judges what you do with YOUR baby! The comments, critiques and constant corrections are never ending! Mazel tov!”

I, personally, think it's 100% the parents' choice. It's their baby, therefore they can decide what to do with it. Whether it's for secular or religious reasons, the parents can believe whatever they want to regarding their child. Circumcision is, understandably, offensive to some religions and cultures, but each family has different beliefs, and those beliefs take each family in different directions.