Another extraordinary day. In the morning I joined a 7th grade English class where the students had opportunity to ask me questions. Afterwards I got to ask them questions. Because it was a 7th grade class I inquired how many of them had Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. It was clearly the minority of students who raised their hands. Two of the girls, however, shared how they had their Bat Mitzvahs at the Szarvas Summer Camp. These same girls also told me that they were involved in BBYO! I do think there is a lesson to be learned from the enthusiasm of these girls and that is the importance of informal Jewish education for Jewish identity. The school undoubtedly fosters Jewish learning but it experiences such as camp or youth group that may best give the students a positive Jewish identity. Of course this is the same debate which takes place in our own community, particularly for families that feel a need to choose between these two alternatives.
I had a meeting with the headmaster today. He had found out about my excitement in finding an old book in the school library and he wanted to show me some of his collection. After the meeting I realized that my excitement over a 300 year old book is far greater than it would be for a Hungarian. We, with our 200 year old history, measure time quite differently. 300 years is ancient, ancient history. In Hungary it is simply old. As a gift, the headmaster gave me a 200 year old Machzor for Shavuot (published by the Landau publishing company of Prague).
After teaching we went to the Dohany Synagogue. I had been there before, but this time got to see it with a new appreciation. The guide pointed out the “church like” design of the synagogue, including the organ. I am not sure I would agree, as I don’t think a single religion can lay claim to a particular architectural style. Simply stated, Jews were a part of the society under the Habsburgs, and this was reflected in all aspects of thir lives, including their religious expression. It is not a Jewish versus Christian distinction. In addition, as we all know, the Temple itself had instruments so an organ should not be considered so novel.
I did, however, ask the guide to clarify that on Shabbat the organ is played by a non-Jew. By the way, I will be having an Aliyah to the Torah at the same synagogue on Saturday. Very excited about that. Perhaps this was the same synagogue in which my grandfather had his Bar Mitvah and was called to the Torah? Probably not, as they were a more traditional family….
In the evening Ben and I went to one of the spas. Lots of fun. But COLD when getting out of the water!
