"Shabbat in the Gush"
By Chaya Esther Pomerantz
During the first weekend of November 2011, Tikvah IDC 2011 fellows independently initiated a shabbaton, generously supported by the Tikvah Fund. The initiative was formulated during the program when Eran Shwartz approached both me, and David Keller with the idea to experience Shabbat in “The Gush”. The shabbaton brought students from different backgrounds and beliefs to explore, discuss, learn and teach each other about faith, current affairs, and communities in Gush Ezion.
Early Friday morning students toured the Harodian, Neve Daniel and Kfar Etzion, focusing on the ancient and recent history of their surroundings. The fellows later settled in for Shabbat at the homes of both Rabbi Nathan Laufer and Tikvah families of fellows resident in Efrat, whose hospitality throughout the two days spent in Efrat knew no bounds.
Erev Shabbat services were held in one of the many local synagogues, followed by an intimate and special dinner at in one of the local halls, after which the students led discussions with Rabbi Laufer about the essence of Shabbos and the laws of commerce.
Following services on Shabbat day, the fellows met for a Kiddush and lunch at the hall, rented out for the occasion. The afternoon was spent taking advantage of the perfect weather to explore Efrat on foot and to listen to an in depth and particularly relevant dvar torah by Rabbi Laufer on the laws of Pidyon Shvuyim and its relation Gilad Shalit’s recent release- balancing the commandments of Jewish law with modern day challenges and events. Havdalah was held at the Laufer household, concluding a Shabbat of relaxation, learning and companionship.
We wish to take this opportunity to thank Rabbi Laufer and the Tikvah Fund for kindly offering to support the shabbaton. The Tikvah program at IDC gave each and every one of us more then we could have hoped for. Most importantly, it created a group of young students; driven, bright, enthusiastic, with a deep passion for Israel, a concern for its future and a willingness to dedicate their time and effort to better that future. Not only does Tikvah recognize the importance in investing in human capital, but also the importance of sustaining the relationships and experiences that have formed as a result of its various programs.
After an incredible month of growth, learning, discussions, arguments and a lot of insight during the program, different individuals, still with different values and goals, a different vision for the future of our state, and our nation, were smarter and gained, or strengthen our respect and understanding of others.
We learned together, were exposed to both new and old ideas, modern day conflicts, the roots of these modern day conflicts, the different sectors within Israel – and we learned to respect it all. This Shabbat experience brought together secular and religious students. The “time” and “place” allowed for a taste of religion, while the environment allowed for an open discussion about the essence of this ‘religion’. It provided for a balanced, educated and respectful dialogue about the foundations of what unites us all. This Shabbat brought twenty six students, from all other the country, with different political views, to a place in Israel which provokes so much conflict and public discourse, Gush Etzion – and it allowed for us to gain new insight and understanding.
Mostly, this Shabbat brought us all back together again, and allowed for us to continue on a journey of growth, together as a group, and as individuals.