Jewish Geography--Sharing a Larger Jewish Community

By Leemor Dotan KOACH Fieldworker

When our KOACH on Campus Editor asked me to write about what Judaism means to me, I thought, "perfect timing...my mind is flowing with ideas and feelings, with the High Holydays being so recent". Many important elements identify me as Jew. These elements truly define the Jewish lifestyle that I actively choose to maintain. Observances of Shabbat and hagim, kashrut and tzedakah are only a few of a list that continues far and long. But, another factor that plays a considerable role in my life is kehillah, community.

Where would I be without my Jewish community??? My greater Jewish community that is…the entire Jewish people. Belonging to a community that you feel part of is vital to your Jewish existence. When I say community, I don’t exactly mean your local JCC, but truly a group of people that you consider your extended Jewish family. How and where I spend my holidays and Shabbat is built around a community that graciously welcomes me. Israel is my much-loved and favorite community.

In Chicago, I am involved in my Jewish community; I feel committed to the survival of the Jewish people here, I consider myself quite active and many of my friends come from this community. But, overall, what I find amazing is this deep, fervent connection to other Jews all over the world. Did you ever play Jewish geography? The game where everyone wins! You know how it goes…you start talking to someone who knows your best friend’s brother’s camp counselor, who went to college with your mom, who was at your Passover seder 5 years ago, where your dog bit the Rabbi and the story goes on and on and on. You see, we all share some connection.

Over the summer, I attended the Hillel's Charles Schusterman International Student Leaders Assembly. I planned and executed workshops, schmoozed with students from all over the world and developed partnerships with many other Jewish organizations. One afternoon, I was presented with a unique opportunity. I led a group of students from different parts of South America in an activity about programming on campus. Well, aside from the language barrier (Spanish is not my forte), the activity was designed for students who came from the average North American campus Hillel. Needless to say this was a challenge!

After realizing that the pre-planned material was not going to apply to their needs, I decided to skip the exercise and started asking them about their Jewish identity, their communities and challenges they face as Jews in South America. What an incredible learning experience this was for me. We shared so many similarities, yet at the same time vast differences. They definitely have to work harder at maintaining their Jewish identity than most, yet the desire and enthusiasm is never at a loss.

This was an eye-opening moment for me. I know my conceptual Jewish community is large and extends far, but I didn’t realize how much we really share. In some cases, cultural differences exist, but roots and passion are one and the same, internationally. My Jewish community is always growing and reaching new ground. This idea is extraordinarily central to defining the meaning of my Judaism.

My wish to you this New Year is to enhance your Jewish experience through finding your Jewish community – wherever it may be!

[Posted 10/26/03]