Thursday, June 22, 2006
Shabbat Down Under
6/22/06
DISCLAIMER: Some of my blog entries may be confusing to some readers. At times during the trip, I'll go a little overboard with the technical aspects of the actual bowling competition. Other times, I may just get a little "too" Jewish. For some, this entry might fall into the latter category; you've been warned.
One of the things I am looking forward to is going to synagogue in Australia. I love the fact that Jews always have a "home" when we travel, namely a synagogue. Big or small, progressive or traditional, a synagogue is someplace that we should feel welcome, especially in a foreign place surrounded by (mostly) foreign people.
My plan is to spend at least one of our two Shabbat mornings at the Congregation of Temple Emanuel, one of two synagogues in Australia affiliated with the Council of Masorti Synagogues. Sydney has a rich Jewish culture, with a number of synagogues, quite a few kosher restaurants, and even a Jewish museum making up the city's landscape. When we went to Israel last summer, it was a given that Jewish culture would permeate throughout the country; I've come to realize that being in Sydney will not only be a social experience but a uniquely Jewish one as well.
To add to the already packed schedule, we received an e-mail earlier this week asking us to bring a small gift for our hosts ... since we'd be spending our first Friday night with families in Sydney for Shabbat dinner. This is where some of the real magic will take place. While Jewish traditions and rituals are fairly universal, how they are practiced and how they are demonstrated in the home are pretty varied. Every family has their own way of doing things, a certain element that makes it personal. Who knows what fun Jewish stuff we can learn from our friends down under?
It may be an adventure just getting to Australia, but the REAL adventure will begin as we light Shabbat candles (around 4:35 p.m. next Friday, since it is winter down under). But before that happens, there is one more Shabbat to spend in the U.S., so whether you are Jewish or not, enjoy the Day of Rest.
DISCLAIMER: Some of my blog entries may be confusing to some readers. At times during the trip, I'll go a little overboard with the technical aspects of the actual bowling competition. Other times, I may just get a little "too" Jewish. For some, this entry might fall into the latter category; you've been warned.
One of the things I am looking forward to is going to synagogue in Australia. I love the fact that Jews always have a "home" when we travel, namely a synagogue. Big or small, progressive or traditional, a synagogue is someplace that we should feel welcome, especially in a foreign place surrounded by (mostly) foreign people.
My plan is to spend at least one of our two Shabbat mornings at the Congregation of Temple Emanuel, one of two synagogues in Australia affiliated with the Council of Masorti Synagogues. Sydney has a rich Jewish culture, with a number of synagogues, quite a few kosher restaurants, and even a Jewish museum making up the city's landscape. When we went to Israel last summer, it was a given that Jewish culture would permeate throughout the country; I've come to realize that being in Sydney will not only be a social experience but a uniquely Jewish one as well.To add to the already packed schedule, we received an e-mail earlier this week asking us to bring a small gift for our hosts ... since we'd be spending our first Friday night with families in Sydney for Shabbat dinner. This is where some of the real magic will take place. While Jewish traditions and rituals are fairly universal, how they are practiced and how they are demonstrated in the home are pretty varied. Every family has their own way of doing things, a certain element that makes it personal. Who knows what fun Jewish stuff we can learn from our friends down under?
It may be an adventure just getting to Australia, but the REAL adventure will begin as we light Shabbat candles (around 4:35 p.m. next Friday, since it is winter down under). But before that happens, there is one more Shabbat to spend in the U.S., so whether you are Jewish or not, enjoy the Day of Rest.
# posted by Matthew Halpern @ 5:58 PM 
Comments:
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hey mat,
unfortunately i wont be able to join you guy in this years aussie-macc,but i wish you all the best,enjoy every minute and i'll be reading the blog regularily!!
you friend ,the entire belgien boiwling team....
alain zlayet...
unfortunately i wont be able to join you guy in this years aussie-macc,but i wish you all the best,enjoy every minute and i'll be reading the blog regularily!!
you friend ,the entire belgien boiwling team....
alain zlayet...
# posted by 
: 5:29 AM
: 5:29 AM
Dont Knock those purple shirts, mine is loved and bowled in frequently to the jealousy of the league. I so wish I was there in Sydney to see you Matt, but unfortunately other committments required my withdrawal from the team. I may have to sneak up there for a day to visit even over night.
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# posted by : 5:56 AM
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