By Ira Kohler
The Jerusalem Shabbaton was a very special and unique experience. Being able to spend a Shabbat in a rich and lively area of Jerusalem, seperate from our University dorms, was an incredible experience. My favorite part of the Shabbaton was most definitely Friday night and Saturday morning services, where we as a cohort had an abundance of options to choose from.
The Rabbi’s provided the cohort with a list of service options all throughout the area that each had a unique aspect to them. There were orthodox minyans that were both lively and upbeat and some that were more traditional. We had the option to go to Masorti, partnership, or reform Minyans that all provided a different yet special experience. And, we were able to go to any Synagogue of our choice, even ones that they didn’t recommend.
On Friday night I went to Mizmor L’David which is an upbeat and lively Orthodox Minyan in Talpiot. Kabbalat Shabbat was as energetic and lively as I have ever seen, and the room was packed with hundreds of people singing together with passion and Kavanah. This experience meant a lot to me because I was a part of a congregation of passion and love for Judaism and for our prayers.
On Saturday morning I went to Shira Chadasha which is a partnership Minyan on Emek Refaim. This synagogue was unique in that it mixed some progressive values with traditional Jewish values. While there was a clear and transparent Mechitza separating the genders, both were allowed to participate and be a part of making the service happen. Going to services on the Jerusalem Shabbaton was very meaningful in many ways, and taught me a lot about the diversity of Judaism within Jerusalem.
