By Sam Balogh
I always love discussing and participating in activities which are so often overlooked, but are so enriched with meaning. This was the case when we visited the Zeff household and had the opportunity to bake and learn from Aliza Zeff (our very own Rabbi Zeff’s wife). Besides from the three sentences of context we were provided beforehand, we did not know what to expect as we walked in. Entering the Zeff apartment, we were met with two tables covered with baking materials: bowls, spoons, measuring cups, flour, oil, etc. Aliza made us feel at home immediately, jumping right into the activity. We went through periods of amazement, as we watched videos of challah braiding, through moments of frustration when our braids looked uneven, and through moments of triumph as we held our fresh baked challah in our hands.
During our waiting periods, dough rising and challah baking, we did two types of learning. First we studied the biblical and talmudic texts surrounding challah. And later, we analyzed the teaching methods that Aliza used while teaching us (it helps that she is a teacher). Up until this point, we might as well been in chug bishul (cooking elective) at our respective camps. But it is context which provided for us Aliza which transformed the experience from just baking challah to experiencing an expression of Judaism - one which might serve as a backbone for my future Jewish work.
The biggest takeaways from our time with Aliza for me comes down to two concepts: Joy and Ritual. Ritual theorist have a hard time defining what a ritual is. Instead they focus on the role which ritual serves in our lives. For me, a ritual should provide meaning. For Aliza, baking challah is a weekly ritual which brings her joy, it makes her feel about of something bigger. I may be projecting, but it connects her to the Jewish people and to G-d. Her expression was raw and authentic, and she did not force her ritual or her love for that ritual on to us. Rather, she introduced us to it in an thoughtful way, and according we were responsive.
As I think about the my place in the Jewish community, and as someone who thinks ritual plays pivotal role in society (religious or not), I hope to find a ritual or rituals for which I care for fondly. For when I can transmit my expressions of Judaism eloquently and thoughtfully, it is then that I believe I can succeed as a Jewish educator. I find my stage in a place of experimentation. The Nachshon Project provides me with play ground for which I can discover, try, and incorporate new rituals and rediscovers rituals which I may have overlooked. Through this process I hope to solidify those practices which will provide me with joy - whether or not they can overlooked.
