Spring Break
MAELSTROM: Show us your faces, stylings, Brandeis Jews
by Rebecca Blady
Acting Forum Editor
Columnists | 11/25/08
Posted online at 12:51 AM EST on 11/25/08
"I think that the Jews are faithful to their convictions, and it's hard to believe they do everything they do," said Michael Hwang '12, an international student from Hong Kong. Having had little contact with Jews before, Hwang said: "I feel like Judaism is really strict, just by what they wear and what they do on Friday nights. I've definitely been exposed to the culture." When asked if he felt that more outreach should be done on campus, he replied: "Usually outreach means there's a problem. I think everyone is happy in their social niche."
Amy Eisenberg '12 added: "I think they could do some events geared toward the entire campus. Since the Jewish population is so huge, they might not feel the need to do outreach. But it's a little intimidating for people who have never gone to [Jewish] services."
Both Eisenberg, who is half-Jewish, and Hwang, who is not Jewish, agreed that the Jewish community seems warm and friendly, that the prospect of going to participate in services and Jewish events seemed daunting and that they fear disrespecting observant Jews in practice.
As a dominant segment of the Brandeis student population, Jews should make more of an effort to replace their appearance as a people restricted by dietary laws and a dress code.
Amy Eisenberg '12 added: "I think they could do some events geared toward the entire campus. Since the Jewish population is so huge, they might not feel the need to do outreach. But it's a little intimidating for people who have never gone to [Jewish] services."
Both Eisenberg, who is half-Jewish, and Hwang, who is not Jewish, agreed that the Jewish community seems warm and friendly, that the prospect of going to participate in services and Jewish events seemed daunting and that they fear disrespecting observant Jews in practice.
As a dominant segment of the Brandeis student population, Jews should make more of an effort to replace their appearance as a people restricted by dietary laws and a dress code.
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Ian
posted 12/04/08 @ 7:29 AM EST
A class should be created about Jewish self-hate and anti-semitism. It is a disgrace how the religion that created the modern world outlook is seen as embarrassing by its adherents. (Continued…)
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