1985-1986 Rothberg Yearbook

Missioning
Whether Judaism is a religion, culture or both, it is
difficult to deny the beautiful intimacies, the warm
feelings, the long and difficult history and the sense of
unity that the traditions of Judaism inherently contain.
Many of the OYPers come from secular backgrounds and
will inevitably come into contact with Baalei T ’shuva
(masters of repentance) who wish to show or “force”
upon the student what they believe Judaism really means.
The intention of this article is to forwarn the student of
the troubles he/she may encounter, in order for the
student not to become disillusioned but to obtain the
maximum amount of benefit from this once in a lifetime
experience.
Shabbat dinners are a wonderful way to ask questions
and learn about the traditional way of life that your great
grandparents, if not grandparents probably
lived. Usually the family is very pleasant,
but once in a while they turn out to be
arrogant, dogmatic and rude; do not be
turned off by this experience, simply try
again! Most likely the student will eventually
be approached and asked to attend a class
at a Yeshiva. One can benefit tremendously
from this experience if a solitary thought is
constantly kept in mind; the eventual goal
of these Yeshivas, however subtly employed,
is to change the student into a traditional
Jew who whole-heartedly believes in the
divinity of the Torah. While studying at the
Yeshiva, also examine the people and their
environment: their habits, their dress, their
beliefs. With this attitude, a student is able to gain a
wealth of knowledge which is nearly unattainable outside
of Israel.
Lastly, another way to “experience” Judaism, is to
attend 3-day seminars set up by a Yeshiva. These
programs are the closest thing to missionizing one will
encounter by these “Masters of repentance”. They take
advantage of a group experience, one’s emotion and one’s
lack of knowledge in Jewish rituals, history and beliefs.
These seminars will attempt to appeal to your rational
intellect using statistics, probabilities and even a computer;
all with the intention of proving that the Torah is divine
and hence one must follow all of its laws. One warning —
do not go alone! Taking the class with a few friends will
greatly reduce your vulnerability.
These programs have many aspects.
They bring to light many important problems
with the secular world’s basic beliefs,
and shed new insight into many concepts
not previously considered. Yet what is
inevitably neglected, is that religion and
God are a matter of belief, a personal
choice not able to be proven logically or
rationally. Eventually, one must take that
leap beyond the known, a leap called faith.
Therefore, with the above warnings
stated, it would be a shame for the student
on the OYP not to take advantage of these
unique experiences, perhaps to learn, perhaps
to change, but inevitably to grow.
Paul (I love your head) Spiegel
A WARNING
All OYP students are, at one tim e or
another, approached by Jewish “missionaries”.
These “missionaries” seem quite
harmless, and according to most people;
“all they want to do is invite you to
Shabbos dinner.” Often the dinner will be
so lovely that you will want to go back.
However, before becoming enmeshed in the
seemingly innocent world of Jerusalem’s Orthodox community,
one must understand the motivating forces
behind your hosts’ generosity. Only by approaching these
religious groups in an intelligent and well-informed
manner, can the OYP student fully benefit from this
unique opportunity.
Students are approached everywhere — in bus stations, at
the Wall, in restaurants and, although they have been
repeatedly asked to stay away, on campuses as well.
These missionaries have various approaches to attract
students — a baby carriage which can’t be left alone, an
old man who needs help up the steps — are encounters
which will likely lead to a Shabbos dinner.
One must realize though, that everyone
involved has an ulterior motive. Each of
them wants you — a smart, inquisitive,
probing person — to become part of the
fold: an observant Jew dedicated to a life
outlined by the Torah. In attempting to
show secular Jews the light, these “missionaries”
believe they are doing something good for you, for
them, and for the Jewish people.
There are cases where students are drawn into the world
of the Yeshiva, completely forsaking their past life.
Clearly, the religious network is sophisticated enough to
“brainwash” certain students. These students, it seems,
had been completely unprepared for the barrage of
“propaganda” which confronted them. Jewish education
should never be limited; however, it must be approached
in your own terms.
Deborah Weiss man