Day 2 – Friday 4-10
Islamic Society of Boston tour, 100 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury,
Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge
Temple Beth Zion, conversation with Rabbi Tiferet Berenbaum,
Shabbat service
Dinner near Coolidge Corner
I really liked Temple Beth Zion. It felt super welcoming, and all the people there were really nice and friendly, and the singers too. And the challah was really good! – Kai
Temple Beth Zion was a very new experience even more surprising and new than any other place we visited so far. Having a converted, Black, female rabbi was totally new for me, and I have never been in a service with so much singing…and of course, I loved the old. – Tahgel
I think that sometimes religions and people get separated and divided, and people get split apart, and told that they are nothing alike. I think religions are so much more similar than anyone wants to believe. But all religions believe in love and community, and that is what unites us all. – Esme
The Harvard Art Museum was great. I really enjoyed looking at the pieces. The one I drew really resonated with me. It was a girl looking into a pocket mirror with a familiar expression. It took me back to a feeling of unsatisfaction, anger, and sadness when looking in a mirror. – Phoebe
My favorite thing to look at [at the Harvard Art Museum] were the statues. I think it’s so interesting how the sculptures can make the lead/marble/other things look so much like silk, or fabric. I especially liked looking at how they did fabric, and when it’s like, bunched up in a certain area, like: how do you DO that??? – Reine
I really thought about how music is the language of the world, and everywhere we have been, there has been unique music, and singing. I find it wonderful that oral tradition is used in all religions. – Sebastian
I really enjoy sitting down and drawing a piece of priceless art, and all the art at the Harvard Art Museum are beautiful. – Henry
Overall, I think that my view on religion has changed a lot over the course of this study, and trip. At the beginning, religion was, to me, an annoying thing that you are forced to obey. While I am still not really sure how I feel about it, my views on religion have evolved. Now I see religion as a way to explain why we are here, and to explain our purpose here. It’s having someone or something to rely on, to carry your life, and to guide you when you need help. – Eleanor
Out of all the words spoken, stated, and questioned, I noticed a common thing: community. We need to learn how to let go of ourselves, and our need to be the best, and come together and be in community with one another. – Aurora
My personal favorite [at the Harvard Art Museum] was a painting of a man that I think was Jesus, with a big crown of thorns on his head. You could see the pain in his eyes and his face, but he kept calm, and accepted his fate. – Oliver
[At the ISBCC], once the Imam’s speaking began, I found it confusing and weird, but after a little while, I started to open my mind, As it went on for longer, I started to realize what was actually happening. 1500 men gathered together, each with their own goal, their own mission, trying to find that, all together through God. – FinnThe ISBCC was not as fun as the crossing, but still a cool experience. It was mesmerizing to see all those people bow at the same time. Being that devoted must feel cool. – Shaw
