Spring Break
Scrap plans for chapel; erect a Hillel building
by Eitan Cooper
Op-Ed | 11/3/09
Posted online at 12:25 AM EST on 11/3/09
Two weeks ago, I had an Anthropology midterm in the Golding Auditorium. As you may know, compared to most auditoriums, Golding is pretty outdated. The squeaky, wooden seats feel like antiques; the tiny desks just barely have room for a laptop, and they cannot fit a test booklet and an exam side by side (a strange problem that I had to deal with). The room has no windows and is poorly lit. Needless to say, I was happy when the exam was over.
But just two days beforehand, the scene had been quite different. It really didn't matter that the seats were uncomfortable or that there was no room on your table. Because two days beforehand, the Brandeis Orthodox Organization held Jewish prayer services in the very same room (because of scheduling conflicts, the usual International Lounge was unavailable). There was beautiful singing and a very enthusiastic vibe. The once bland room was transformed into something special. The same room that is used for stressful exams was used as a setting for an uplifting experience.
This may sound nice. And really, I don't have a bone to pick with Golding Auditorium. By no fault of its own, the room has simply not been updated. And I am very thankful that people were able to make a meaningful religious service in subpar conditions. But there's the problem: They shouldn't have to.
For whatever reason, be it because of seating accommodations or scheduling conflicts, the different religious subgroups of Hillel at Brandeis (Reform, Orthodox, Conservative and Reconstructionist) have had to gather in numerous sites on campus throughout the semester. So far this year, Jews of all denominations have prayed in the following places: Berlin Chapel, Sherman Function Hall, the Levin Ballroom, Golding Auditorium, the International Lounge in Usdan, Pearlman lounge, the Hassenfield Conference Center, Castle Commons, and the basement of Shapiro Residence Hall (known as the Beit Midrash or house of study).
This dispersion of Jews has an adverse affect on the Jewish community as a whole. Jews from different backgrounds must walk in opposite directions on Friday nights to get to their different locations. What happens is that Jews within each group, to a certain extent, feel as though they belong solely to their group and not to a broader, more inclusive Jewish community. The physical impediments have played a large part in creating communal restrictions.
But just two days beforehand, the scene had been quite different. It really didn't matter that the seats were uncomfortable or that there was no room on your table. Because two days beforehand, the Brandeis Orthodox Organization held Jewish prayer services in the very same room (because of scheduling conflicts, the usual International Lounge was unavailable). There was beautiful singing and a very enthusiastic vibe. The once bland room was transformed into something special. The same room that is used for stressful exams was used as a setting for an uplifting experience.
This may sound nice. And really, I don't have a bone to pick with Golding Auditorium. By no fault of its own, the room has simply not been updated. And I am very thankful that people were able to make a meaningful religious service in subpar conditions. But there's the problem: They shouldn't have to.
For whatever reason, be it because of seating accommodations or scheduling conflicts, the different religious subgroups of Hillel at Brandeis (Reform, Orthodox, Conservative and Reconstructionist) have had to gather in numerous sites on campus throughout the semester. So far this year, Jews of all denominations have prayed in the following places: Berlin Chapel, Sherman Function Hall, the Levin Ballroom, Golding Auditorium, the International Lounge in Usdan, Pearlman lounge, the Hassenfield Conference Center, Castle Commons, and the basement of Shapiro Residence Hall (known as the Beit Midrash or house of study).
This dispersion of Jews has an adverse affect on the Jewish community as a whole. Jews from different backgrounds must walk in opposite directions on Friday nights to get to their different locations. What happens is that Jews within each group, to a certain extent, feel as though they belong solely to their group and not to a broader, more inclusive Jewish community. The physical impediments have played a large part in creating communal restrictions.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Dev Singer '11
posted 11/03/09 @ 6:35 AM EST
How about building a Hillel building and giving the Muslim community a chapel? We may be fragmented, but at least we have a building of some sort. Why in the world doesn't the Muslim community?
Dina
posted 11/03/09 @ 9:09 AM EST
As a member of the Class of 2000, I always found it nice to have Jews at Brandeis walking in all directions on Shabbat and during holidays. Unity among Jews can be created in many different ways and no special building is necessary. (Continued…)
rosanne litwak
posted 11/03/09 @ 9:47 AM EST
I heartily agree with the writer. Jews are a highly fragmented group and need more cohesion. The dispersion he refers to is much like the Diaspora. Witness the State of Israel which brought a multitude of Jews to her shores, proving that Jews can build a nation in spite of their disparate views and backgrounds. (Continued…)
DK
posted 11/03/09 @ 2:45 PM EST
The writer's intentions are good, but his proposition would prove inconsequential. Putting a whole group of people in the same building will not magically solve all of your problems. (Continued…)
Joshua Ephraim
posted 11/04/09 @ 10:40 AM EST
Thank you for your sharing of your insight into this matter. The truth is I wholeheartedly agree with you. Historically speaking, the Jewish community has never been so sectarian as it is now. (Continued…)
Post a Comment