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In early December, I visited the Severn school in Severna Park, MD. The eighth grade students are studying comparative religion and I was invited to lecture on Conservative Judaism to two eighth grade classes. After being introduced to the class, I proceeded to explain some differences between Conservative and Reform Judaism (Rabbi Goldstein of Temple Beth Shalom had previously visited this class). I knew that displaying ritual items to the class would help the presentation be more engaging. Therefore, I brought my tallit and tefillin and demonstrated to the class how to wear these items in addition to explaining their meaning. I share with you two letters I received after my visit. They are more than perfunctory thank-you notes. Read them, and you will learn about tallit and tefillin plus a few other items that may be of interest. Dear Rabbi Pohl, Thank you so much for coming and speaking to my class. It was so kind of you to take time out of your busy day to teach us about your religion. I have really enjoyed learning about different religions and find it very interesting. One thing I learned from your presentation was that each fringe and knot in the tallit represents a commandment. That is really fascinating and shows how every little detail matters. Another thing that you taught me was that Conservative Judaism emphasizes tradition over change. This is important to know because it separates Conservative Judaism from Reform udaism. Thanks again for coming in and talking to us! I am really glad I got a chance to learn about Conservative Judaism. Sincerely, Milah Behlmaier Dear Rabbi Pohl, Thank you for coming to our class and teaching us about Conservative Judaism. You taught us a lot and I am very happy that I was able to learn. The experience of seeing you put on the Tallit was an experience that cannot be replaced because it is a very important prayer item. The Tefilln was something that must be put on every day to renew your vows to God. This is important because to serve God you must be able to renew your vows every day. We learned about the Tallit and Tefillin which in Judaism are important, so learning how to put them on is equally important. Now I thank you again for coming and teaching your knowledge to us. Sincerely, Jordan Cox Thank you for taking the time to read this. Shalom, Rabbi Philip Pohl |
