Essay --

Congregation Bet Breira One does not simply walk into an unknown world without feeling some sense of fear or confusion. It is this unnerving feeling that wrapped its icy web around my gut as I stepped into the Bet Breira Temple. I pressed onto this unknown territory, full of regret for taking up this assignment and not choosing a religion that was closer to mine. This temple, that had always seemed to pose as a strange piece of architecture, became a totally different entity once I was inside. I felt like I was staring at a grand stadium, all of the pews lined up in rows leading towards the heavens all staring at one center altar. This place had its similarities to my usual place of worship back at St. Kevin Catholic church; however the people and the religious symbols that hung were completely new to me. It was as we entered however that the biggest surprise struck me. Accompanied by my Jewish friend Chris, I asked him, â€Å"Hey who is that woman wearing those strange clothes?† and all of my Catho lic upbringing could not prepare me for what he had to say next, â€Å"That’s the Rabbi.† As I recall the events that transpired, I realize my ignorance could have been perceived as sacrilegious had anyone noticed my face of disbelief. In Reformed Jewish Synagogues, Synagogues being the Hebrew word for Temple, women can be ordained as Rabbi’s. They go through the same process as men, learning the Hebrew language and mastering the Torah. The Torah is Judaism’s most sacred item, a book written by man through their God’s intervention. One difference between the different sects within Judaism is the differences of views of the Torah. Though Reformed Jews see the different Jewish laws to be guidelines, Orthodox Jews believe them to be essential laws... ... them and cares for them. It is through a Reformed Judaist view that God has been caring for humanity for thousands of years, and one can see the amount of pride there is in each of the parishioners. Ultimately I am very happy for partaking in this experience. Having visited a church that I have never gone to has not only taught me a valuable lesson about another group’s belief system but has also made me grown more appreciative of my current faith. I am glad that I was able to do research prior to coming to the synagogue because it helped me understand the events that were transpiring before me. However, much like looking up the â€Å"Spark Notes† of a book, no research compared to the actual experience of participating in their ritual. It was a great honor to have been allowed this opportunity and I now know that many religions have very similar religious dimensions.