The December workshop commenced with the introduction of our Israeli partners accompanied by photos and plans for the seminars. We enthusiastically described their where they live, their interests, and practices. The question of initial compatibility arose and while many shared commonality, others expressed differences, which they embraced with openness and appreciation for diversity.
Next on the agenda was "The Buffet." Every table had paper slips, all of which contained a food, organized by categories such as Torah, Interfaith, and Israel. The only contingency was that we could not pick two or more identical strips. We visited each station, meticulously selecting slips that resonated with us. Upon selection, we piled them on our plates. After gathering our slips, we assembled in table-groups, where we compartmentalized our slips individually and discussed our decisions amongst ourselves. Each table merged with another, and we rearranged our slips into four, predetermined foods, discarding the others. This exercise emphasized pluralism, as we ultimately learned that each food represented a value from a major sect of Judaism - Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstruction. Interestingly, most plates did not align with each person's actual observance. Although we may identify with a certain denomination in general terms, there are details within each that we find agreement. We discovered the flexibility and overlap in Jewish customs, spirituality, learning, and culture. This strengthens our Diller Family as we build meaningful connections and mutually expanding our knowledge.
On behalf of Ceremonies Committee, Jonathan lead us in the Chanukah blessing and we lit his chanukiah. We went around and told anecdotes about our chanukiot and their significance to us and our families. Many of us shared photographs.
Our second activity was visual and kinesthetic. In an allotted fifteen minute span, we were tasked with constructing figurines from clay-like modeling compounds[1] and fashioning identification cards to correspond with our creations. The fabrication and documentation components were executed independently, allowing us to produce distinctive, authentic representations varying from monsters, people, and animals, to abstract beings as well as characteristics that each encompass. Each creature joined an island, where the founders (the fellows), collaborated as advocates on their behalf to promote a society of coexistence. There were compromises implemented to sustain all creatures such as common areas and privatized sections and adjusting the topography. Some islands encountered more turbulence due to polarity in living conditions, culture, and worldview. Every island drafted a binding, permanent constitution with laws and consequences for illegal behavior. The staff selected one member from each island to renounce their citizenship and immigrate to another island. In several scenarios, the new demographic was a challenge to accommodate since we were unable to make amendments to our creatures or laws. A primary struggle with integration was perceived power dynamics given that most of the islanders had a sense of unity and seniority over the newcomer. In some instances, the new creature held a sense of entitlement and Founder's syndrome (the character, not the person themself[2]) by making extensive demands. Ultimately, most were sufficiently satisfied with the arrangement, while one or two did not develop a sense of coherence and faced isolation. .
This exercise simulated diaspora, a phenomenon of involuntary expulsion of people from one region especially their homeland. It provoked comparisons between Syrian refugees and Mexican immigration. Notably, Jews escaping persecution in Europe fled to other countries during the 1930's and 1940's. Some were met with anti-semitism upon arrival. Our island is a scaled-down interpretation of this occurrence. Given that the creatures had innate, unchangeable characteristics and we were unable to fundamentally alter our society, those who didn't smoothly assimilate were unable to reap the same benefits and felt unwelcomed. Thankfully, we almost always have the capacity to learn from one another, to deepen our understanding, and recognize the beautiful essence within each individual.
We concluded with brief committee meetings. Swag committee determined a winner and proposals for upcoming items and polls to be determined. India proposed a secret Chanukah gift exchange, "Magical Maccabee." We each drew names, and the gifts will be given at our January workshop. Ceremonies committee will catch up with birthdays next month. SFUG is planning the first mission. We will be contacted with our committees for our cohort-led Shabbaton.
This was our first meeting in the afterglow of last month's Shabbaton. Thus far, we have created a safe community founded on trust, vulnerability, and authenticity. We are living in accordance with our brit, as it serves ourselves, our fellows, the Bay Area, and the world. We support, inspire, and teach each other; we unite as Cohort 19!
[1] I don't use brand names, although I realize that this item has become synonymous with such
[2] I wanted to be respectful and felt himself/herself didn't accomplish this as some may be non-gender binary or otherwise
