What I'd like each of you to do is reflect on the stories and messages he shared with us and write a few paragraphs (2-3) about what ideas or vignettes made the biggest impression on you and why, as well as what questions you still have about his experiences or Jewish outlook that you'd like Rabbi Oxman to answer. I will then pass those on to him so that he can have the opportunity to continue the conversation virtually.
I'll בעזרת 'ה be weighing in with some of my thoughts as well, but first I'm eager to hear what you think!
We will do this a little differently from last time, based on your feedback: instead of writing your thoughts in the comments section, create a new blog entry of your own. Make sure to read what your classmates post as well, and comment on at least 2 of them, stating what you agree with, disagree with, or would add to. This assignment is due Friday, Feb. 6, before class.
*Keep in mind: Although I am not going to be grading this assignment on the basis of your English language skills, I do fully expect you to use your best writing, so that you can be sure you're communicating clearly and efficiently. That includes using proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and writing conventions (complete sentences and paragraphs, topic sentences, etc.).
**Please note: Before you post anything at all on this blog, create a Google Doc titled "JL&F Blog" and write everything there first. Then copy and paste it into the blog (this goes for all blog submissions). Occasionally people will write a lengthy response and then hit "submit", only to see it all instantly disappear. As long as you've got the original version in your Google Doc, this isn't a big problem; you can just send me your submission and I will post it for you.
First of all, thank you Mrs. Wittlin for arranging Rabbi Oxman’s visit to our class! I know I enjoyed hearing all about his experiences as a chaplain in the army. It was awesome to be able to see all those pictures and “artifacts”, as you called them. Between the camouflage kippot and talitot, his father’s hat from World War II, the army/pilot pins, and the rest of his army gear, I felt like we took a field trip to an actual army base!!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I found everything Rabbi Oxman told us fascinating, there was one part of his presentation in particular that made the biggest impact on me. This part was the way he approached Jewish soldiers during his visits to get them involved with Judaism. He explained to us how he knew he had to first connect with them on a personal level before he mentioned getting involved in his “Jewish services”. He noted that he would often begin talking to them about their job in the army or their last mission and only after that, would he start explaining to them how they should come to one of his programs. I was inspired by this method of communication, and understood why it was the most successful for him, because I think it’s so important to actually speak with someone before bombarding them with requests and questions.
In conclusion, I think it was a wonderful to have Rabbi Oxman speak to our class. After hearing his presentation, I gained a greater appreciation for Judaism and the eternal connection of the our people. It’s amazing to think about how many military lives Rabbi Oxman touched, through the power of Judaism.
I agree, I loved all of the artifacts and really enjoyed learning about all of his experiences.
DeleteI agree, I loved all of the artifacts and really enjoyed learning about all of his experiences.
DeleteThe story that Rabbi Oxman told us that impacted me the most was about the German man that he interacted with. The man felt that he had to support the Jews because of all of the terrible things that the Germans did to the Jews during the Holocaust. He felt that he had to make it up to the Jewish people,and he did this by singing Yiddish songs. One day, he was singing a song and his grandmother asked his mother if she remembered it from her childhood. The German man was confused about why his mother would know a Yiddish song, and figured out that they were actually Jewish. He then came to Rabbi Oxman and wanted to learn more about Judaism, the religion that he unknowingly was a part of. I thought that it was really interesting because this man never knew that he was Jewish, and by supporting the Jews, he discovered his true identity.
ReplyDeleteI liked that story also , it was interesting to learn that a simple song can make a big difference.
DeletePosting for Batya: The other day, when we heard Rabbi Oxman speak, some of the things he said made me more proud to be a Jew. No matter where he was, he was always able to find a Jew to celebrate a chag with or daven with. It really shows us that Bnei Yisrael truly is one big family.
ReplyDeleteI have heard Rabbi Oxman talk about his experience in the military and I have to admit, when he came yesterday it was my favorite time hearing about his experience. My favorite story he told us was when he went to where Avraham Avinu lived. It's cool that we could be at such a "holy" place, you could say (Avraham was there at some point!! Like, our forefather stood in the place Rabbi Oxman stood).
Another part I enjoyed was seeing all of his artifacts (especially the evolution of his tallit and his cool helmet). To be honest, you have to have so much respect for him and his family (his family especially). He would leave and sometimes they wouldn't know where he was or when he would come back. Any soldier's family deserve respect for what they have to go through.
I'm really thankful that we were able to hear Rabbi Oxman speak about his experience as Chaplin and I really enjoyed it!
I agree! I think it was really look to hear about how he brought so many other Jews to Juadism.
DeleteThis past week in Jewish Life & Faith, Rabbi Oxman came in to our class and talked about his experience as a Chaplin for the United States Army. He told us about how he moved from place to place. He was in the army for 28 years and he was a Chaplin for 4 years. He talked to us about all the difficulties he faces being a Jew in the army. He also said that he tried to get all the non religious soldiers to at least try and have a better understanding if what it means t one Jewish. I think it is important that we learn about this because you never really think about what they due for use. They are spreading Judaism to people who didn't consider themselves Jewish.
ReplyDeleteI really liked seeing the pictures and the artifacts. I really enjoyed hearing Rabbi Oxman speak!
Very true! I feel the same way! His speech was fascinating and the pictures/ artifacts really made it seem real.
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ReplyDeleteI was out of town when this was assigned then completely missed it so I apologize I am so late! Rabbi Oxman was an incredible speaker and I really enjoyed him coming. There are many things I took out of his speech. He had so many stories but these things I am about to talk about really stood out to me.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I loved his camouflage Talis!! At first I thought he customized it but then he said that the army provided it for him. The military acknowledged his role as a Jew and gave him an item specially army themed to fit his circumstance. I found that so cool.
Next, I was so shocked when he said he would practice Judaism alone when no one would join him. That takes a tremendous amount of courage to be different from the group and to practice a religion without a support system. I was very impressed by that.
Last, I liked how Rabbi Oxman said that he would just be there for people to talk to and then he formed relationships. After relationships were formed, he would be able to talk about his religious views. Instead of just going in and trying to force his beliefs upon others, his main goal was to form relationships with the people before he tried teaching his views. That is amazing to me. That way he was not looked upon as someone who just wanted to convert people. It shows that Jews, in general, are not just focused on converting people. We let people decide and I am proud to be part of a religion who does not force converting upon people.
To finish, I was so fascinated by Rabbi Oxman's speech! It takes a lot to decide to do the job he took on. I am very happy he decided to take on that job because from what I have heard, he seemed to be great at it!
When Rabbi Oxman came, he spoke about what it was like to be in the American army. He spoke about the difficulties he faced as a Jew in the army. He spoke about how he overcame many challenges of being a Jew in many different places. As a Chaplain, he tried to make the army a better environment for Jews. He helped build sukkahs and prepared a passover sader. He brought so many cool artifacts and told amazing stories. I loved how he had three different camouflage talis. The biggest thing I took away from him coming was the fact that no matter where he was, he did everything in his power to practice Judaism to the highest degree possible.
ReplyDeleteRabbi Oxman told a story of a few soldiers on his base that were taking on a dangerous task to carry supplies from on base to another and how they came to him to say a prayer for them before. He repeated many times that he never went to find people to teach and daven with, people always came to him first. This reminded me of the phrase "There are no atheists in foxholes". I found it very interesting that religion plays such an important role in the army, especially the US army which celebrates religious freedom.
ReplyDelete