Friday, May 2, 2008

REFLECTION

Sometimes we choose communities, sometimes communities choose us.

Through my experience I have been taking a class called public art that considers expression and art within communities.

This class has helped me appreciate community in itself. Why it is important to have communities and how powerful communities can be by providing individuals with a supportive network to achieve their dreams. Also, we got to discuss the complexities of communities. For example, when one is purposefully trying to create “art” projects to develop and strengthen communities, it is not always so simple because of the incredible diversity within communities and the tension between the artist and the community.

This class helped me to reflect on myself as an artist working and experiencing different communities. Public art can be defined in so many ways and even a student like me can be a creator of public art.

We also talked about viewing the artist as playing different roles in the creation of the piece which was a very refreshing perspective. For example, taking the artist out of the picture as much as possible or having the artist reflect on the role that history, culture, and time period play on themselves and the community. I could see myself as the artist of this project only because I brought this very unexpected, new part to the lives of many people in this community and to myself and the reaction I received was on the part of an entire community and in the words of a community rather than that of individuals even though it was individuals I was speaking to or hearing about. The strength of this community to reject or embrace something is very powerful and the difference I felt with the change in situation from rejection to acceptance was also very intense.

I really feel I have learned to open my eyes more and understand the passion people hold within and importance community plays in our lives. I hope I can continue to learn and grow through this experience.

Sholom



AS A RESULT

Being introduced into the Jewish community because of Adam has led me to appreciate what those who were hurt by our relationship care for so much. But now that I have chosen to become a member of this community, I realize I must know Judaism on my own and develop my love for it separate from Adam. I recently have gotten to know some of the small Jewish community here in Troy. Everyone has been very kind and honest and helpful in this process. One Shabbos I was in Troy and called up a family that I found online to see if they knew if there were services. They were very kind and invited me to come to Shabbos dinner and lunch at their home. A few days ago I met the rabbi from the campus Hillel and spoke to him for almost 2 hours. He was very kind and is trying to help me find a place to live where I can keep Kosher and told me I can call him anytime if I want to schedule a class so I can learn more about Judaism. I truly feel really blessed and excited for what God has in store for me and for the community and for everyone.

The Story--Part V Pesach Holiday and the Seder Experience

On April 19th, I had my first Seder Experience. Adam and I flew down to Chicago to be with his family...with entire family including grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles for the Pesach and in particular for the Seders which include a huge meal with lots of people and stories and food. There are two seders and our first one was a little smaller (only about 16 people) which the 2nd one had 22 guests. We sang and prayed and went to synagogue every morning and afternoon. I met new people and in fact found out that one of the members of their synagogue knows my mother's doctor in Texas. I felt so connected! People pulled me aside to ask me about my experience and how I came to deciding to convert. One person I met empathized with me saying that her family is not very observant and when she decided to become so they were all very shocked. We played games, talked about important issues in the world, and discussed our dreams and visions in life. I am very happy I got to be a part of this experience.