by Lauren Reed 

This Friday, I went with my friend Morgan to an event hosted at the Blue House by Hillel.  Hillel is our very welcoming Jewish group on campus;  I’m always struck by the friendliness of this particular bunch.  This was my first time meeting the very funny Rabbi Spiegel who led the service and played a mean guitar.  I’ve also been told that he’s really into motorcycles.  I’ll have to ask him about that next time I see him.

The event was a Shabbat service, which falls on the 7th day of the Jewish week.  In Judaism, the 7th day of the week begins at sundown on Friday and leads into a day of rest.  We began by singing a nigun, which is a very simple melody (that is easy enough to predict and follow) sung with one sound (la or da) instead of words.  Rabbi Spiegel paused to quiz the group on the purpose of opening with a nigun, which he said is to allow everyone to participate, even if one does not know the Hebrew words to the traditional songs.  It is to make everyone welcome, which was a nice way to start since, after that, we launched into Hebrew songs and blessings that were much harder for me to follow!  I was familiar with one song, though.  The words, “Hine mah Tov umah naʿiym sheveth aḥ-iym gam ya-ḥadh,” mean “behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together,” and we sang it with linked arms as Rabbi Spiegel played guitar. 

After a few more songs, it was time to bless the challah (a Jewish braided bread) and wine.  Then, Rabbi Spiegel led us in a short discussion about the coming Jewish High Holidays and the current Jewish month, Elul, which is dedicated to repentance of sins.  He taught us that, in Judaism, forgiveness abounds, but sins against others are only forgiven by making things right with those that were wronged.  Personally, I think this adds weight to the sins against others because only the sinner can right them.  It was a beautiful and well-needed exercise to think about asking for and giving forgiveness.

 

Next came a delicious dinner catered by Noodles and Co. and some great discussions.  There were about 6 of us, including Nonie, Hillel’s kind faculty advisor, that stayed half hour past dinner talking about everything from Israel trips to Greek houses on campus.  It was so nice to relax and spend time in the cozy Blue House with some wonderful people. 

 

Shalom, everyone, and enjoy your week!

 

Peace.

Lauren