Shabbat Discussions
One of the most enlightening parts of the trip, thus far, has been our group discussion that we’ve had before our Shabbat service. We addressed common issues that concern many young Jewish Americans, namely the question of Jewish Identity versus National Identity, as well as how, in such a multicultural society, we will raise our children. Though my feelings seemed to coincide with the majority of the group, that we are mostly American Jews before we are Jews in America, and that our children’s spiritual happiness is more important than their religious affiliation, it was interesting to hear the different outlooks on faith in such a modern time. What was even more interesting was to hear the Israelis’ points of view, where Judaism and religion is more assumed, rather than chosen.
- Joey Maltese, Susquehanna University
