#OccupyJudaism

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 09:15 Written by bryfy Wednesday, 26 October 2011 09:15

This blog post is about #OccupyJudaism – and yet it isn’t. I am not going to comment about political agendas, specific personalities or the loud beating of drums – there are many others out there who can do so with far more insights that I have on these and other related issues. My reference point is last Friday afternoon, as a brisk breeze came over lower Broadway and a group of perhaps 50, maybe 100, people gathered across the way from Zucotti Park.

It was Simchat Torah and this group had gathered to mark the culmination and the beginning of the reading of the Torah cycle. To be sure this was no ordinary Simchat Torah ceremony. As the group formed a circle the Torah was unrolled so that every person could touch the parchment. The leader of the ceremony then moved quickly (some would say skipped) around the inner circle, calling out highlights of the Old Testament, which were then echoed by the circle members. “In the beginning,” the leader called out, and everybody responded “In the beginning.” “Am I my brother’s keeper?” “Justice, Justice pursue.” The echoing was as much about involving participants as it was about ensuring that everyone could hear what was going on. In scenes that must have resembled many ancient practices, the absence of microphones, and the continual noises from the bustling streets and protests from lower New York, this human amplification system was essential and simultaneously poignant. There were other parts to the ceremony, including individuals connecting with words from the Torah and more traditional readings, as well as continual singing, nigguning, hand clapping, and a mixture of bopping and shockling.

Who were these people? Why had they chosen to come to this celebration and not to others? Who was leading this ceremony, and who was not? Where else were Simchat Torah celebrations taking place at this time, with people like these, and with people not like these? Who were the onlookers and why were they so enthralled with what was taking place? Why did the group of black teenage girls come and watch the Torah being unfurled? Why did the policeman engage in conversation and then stay for the remainder of the ceremony? Why did the two men in suits behind me, clearly just walking past, start reciting prayers in Hebrew?

How are you feeling today?

Last Updated on Sunday, 16 October 2011 04:09 Written by bryfy Sunday, 16 October 2011 10:41

I never quite understood the point of this poster. Today I think I get it.

I cn safely say that I have felt 25 of the 30 feelings mentioned on this poster in the last few days – and all relating to one single event. Yes, I am so thrilled that after 5 years Gilad is coming home. But if I am so happy then why am I also feeling all of these other emotions?

Let’s name those feelings in poster order – exhausted, confused, ecstatic, guilty, suspicious, angry, hysterical, frustrated, sad, confident, embarrassed, happy, disgusted, frightened, enraged, ashamed, cautious, depressed, overwhelmed, hopeful, lonely, surprised, anxious, and shocked. (For those wondering that leaves off – mischievous, smug, lovestruck, bored and shy).

(Since posting this (just a few hours ago) I was already told that it is too raw for me to be expressing anything but joy with the imminent release of Gilad. I’m sorry, I can’t help what I feel. Am I alone in this confusion? Or is this just another case when we are allowed to feel something related to Israel, but just not allowed to express it in public?)

In the upcoming months my two year old son Jonah will be studying a unit called feelings at his pre-school. I wonder if they will be using this poster in class.

When Jewish Play is More Than Just Fun

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 June 2011 05:49 Written by bryfy Thursday, 16 June 2011 05:49

Zechariah the prophet writes about peace and prosperity coming to Zion.

Thus says the Lord: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. (Zechariah 8:4–5)

Allow me to humbly suggest that Zechariah almost got it right. True redemption will only come when old men and old women, together with boys and girls are playing in the streets of Jerusalem.

One of the things that the Jewish world needs most now is to embrace play. Why? Because play works.