 The fall semester was busy for the Jewish community at Swarthmore College. A myriad of events were hosted for Jewish students ranging from Shabbat to guest lectures. There were even events for those continuously studying through Swarthmore Organization for Israel (SOFI) which organized eight study breaks scattered around campus providing relaxation time and delicious falafel, as well as information to students about the current state of the election process in Israel.A highlight this semester included Shabbat dinner with Dr. Lihong Song, Professor of Jewish Studies at Nanjing University in China. Song spoke to the challenges and benefits of teaching religion in China. Ruach, the Jewish student organization on campus, planned and sponsored this event hosting 52 guests who enjoyed both the lecture and a kosher Chinese dinner. Another highlight this semester was Queer Shabbat. Sara Felder, a queer Jewish playwright provided the entertainment. Ms. Felder performed pieces from several of her plays and discussed her personal experience as being queer and Jewish in the world of theater. 40 students attended the event. Media coverage from the event can be found in The Phoenix, Swarthmore's campus paper. Recently, a more casual tradition has emerged at Swarthmore. Students have established a weekly open Jewish dinner at the dining hall. In this forum, Jewish students meet, relax, and reconnect with one another. The Jewish community of Swarthmore is looking forward to hosting similar interesting and intellectual events during the upcoming spring semester.
|
