March 6, 2012
Today was busy! During minyan, Rabbi Chaitovsky gave us some more insights about Megillat Esther. This was followed by an intellectually stimulating lecture about “The Golden Age of Spain” given by Dr. Heather Miller Rubens of the Institute for Christian-Jewish Studies. She discussed (and shared many primary texts) the fact that the historical record of the Jewish experience under Muslim rule in medieval Spain is very mixed: during some generations, it was one of co-existence and tolerance, and in other generations, one finds conflict and maltreatment. This segment of the program was important because it illustrated how nuanced and various the relationship between Jews and Muslims has been for the past 14 centuries.
After the lecture, our very own resident artist Morah Brandes introduced us to some of the principles of Islamic art, especially the prohibition against representational art in most circumstances (because of their understanding of the Ten Commandments). Then the students were dispatched to work hands-on on creating their own art in this tradition.
As the morning ended, we formed a production-line, making lunches for a homeless shelter, and mishloach manot baskets for children and parents who are victims of domestic abuse and are being sheltered by CHANA – the Jewish response to this problem. In doing this we were embodying the value of tzedakah (zakat in Arabic), which both faith traditions share.
The afternoon was spent working on our Purim schpiels.
Tomorrow, we journey to the Maryland Science Center for a special IMAX showing of “Journey to Mecca,” and to tour a mosque. Please remember to dress modestly (girls bring a scarf, wear nothing too tight). We will be back a little after 1pm, and dismissal will happen then in observance of the Fast of Esther (no lunch time) and Purim later that night.
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