Feet on the ground, head in the clouds

Although each day brings its own opportunities to learn about my surroundings and become increasingly accustomed to patterns of life, I can report attaining a new stage of awareness having completed "Orientation Week".  Our cohort reached full strength - 33 in number - and we shared a series of programs to become better acquainted with one another, our campus, and our host city.
Orientation began with discussions about Hebrew and culture shared with members of the administration and HUC alumni.  This happened to fall on July 4th, but of course Independence Day is not a widely observed holiday among my neighbors.  To add even more humor to the situation, several faculty members are of British origin and provided their own hearty well wishes.  I don't believe I have experienced Independence Day outside the U.S. before, but fear not, I still got my fireworks fix in honor of Ramadan.

כִּי מִצִּיּוֹן תֵּצֵא תוֹרָה, וּדְבַר יְיָ מִירוּשָׁלָֽיִם

Another highlight from orientation week included conducting an anthropological observation of life in Jerusalem.  In a place replete with historical significance, it was notable to speak with the shopkeepers and residents about their relationships with the landmarks they pass everyday.  We discovered that they experience these evocative places so often that they lose significance.  This growing tolerance is a natural part of human nature, but it leads to a necessary question.  Is it better to keep our most important relics and sentimental reminders close at hand or out of sight to be examined only during special moments?  Does a wedding ring worn daily lose its meaning? Is the Sefer Torah best left concealed in the ark until sacred moments and rituals require its use?  Should I decorate my home with reminders of things I do not value and squirrel away my mementos and keepsakes?

Orientation posed many such questions as we got a taste of some of our experiences to come.  I may have learned much during the various sessions on the meaning of history vs heritage, Israel-Palestinian relations, and several dvrei torah, I but I'm certain I came to know how much I do not yet know.  Eventually, we wrapped up the week with a wonderful havdalah during which everyone shared their own blessing.  Havdalah has consistently been one of my favorite ceremonies to observe at camp, during Avodah, and with so many Jewish communities.  It is clear that my fellow classmates also hold the ceremony dear and that they are not afraid of singing out - the passion and volume of song rings in my ears still now, 24 hours later.

Photo Cred: Josh Gischner