Lubuto Project assembly at Edmund Burke School, September 22, 2006
Opening remarks by Gabe Loewinger, 12th Grader
As some of you may know tonight begins the annual period of high holidays in the Jewish religion. During this time we attend long, and to be honest fairly boring, services. Soon when it is Yom Kippur we not only go to synagogue, but we also do not eat and some do not drink for 24 hours. But beyond fasting and sitting through hours of prayer, tonight is Rosh Hoshannah, the Jewish new year. The period between Rosh Hoshannah and Yom Kippur is the most significant time of the year, it is a time of introspection in which we take a step back from our busy lives to atone for our sins and think about others. We neglect any personal interests and think about how we can improve ourselves in order to become more considerate people, not only in our personal lives but also in the broad scope of our large and chaotic world. Finally we give thanks for all the blessings we are lucky enough to have: Our friends and family, food and shelter. An opportunity for education. Things in everyday life we all at times take for granted, and respond simply with the desire for more. The Jewish phrase Tikun Olam is very important during these times. It means quite literarily “repair the world.” Tzedakah too is pertinent. It comes from the Hebrew word, meaning “righteousness or Justice.” It is in some ways similar to charity. Although, it differs in that Tzedakah is more than a good deed, it is in fact a commandment. Both of these terms stress our obligation to give back.
It may be clear why this holiday is relevant to the Lubuto Library Project, but I would like to quickly share why I chose to be a part of this organization. When I was in 10th grade I applied to a program through the Jewish Federation called B’tzavta, which means togetherness in Hebrew. I was lucky enough to get chosen, and I went with 11 other Americans to South Africa and then to Israel. 12 kids from each of these countries were selected to convene and discuss issues of poverty, religion, conflict, HIV and more. The aim was to give us a different perspective of our world and to learn more about the status of Jews today from all over the world. Although unity was an important theme of the trip, the aim was primarily centered on the cultural exchange aspects. In South Africa we visited townships. These were the most extreme cases of poverty I have ever witnessed. People were forced to collect scrap metal just so they could build themselves a shelter to live in. Our group leader warned us that While in DC HIV rates are around 1 in 300. There the rates are about 1 in 2. When we got off the bus we were overwhelmed by the large numbers of little kids who were so excited to meet outsiders. It was hard to believe that 50% of these kids, no older than 8 were HIV Positive. Many would do anything for an education, a chance to read and learn about other places. Some were struggling to take care of themselves and younger siblings because AIDS had made them orphans. This was by far the most memorable experience of the trip.
When I came back from Israel, my group leader instructed us to go out and take part in or form a project that addressed the issues discussed. I chose HIV and poverty and when I heard about this project here at Burke I could find no better fit.
I realized while I may complain when I am assigned to read 50 pages in a night, so many children, who do not have the opportunity to go to school, line up for hours just to graze through the books in a Lubuto Library. In our world with the Internet, Public Libraries, Daily Newspapers, we are so overwhelmed that we all too often take for granted the opportunities thrown in our laps.
During one of the long services of the high holidays my rabbi gave a sermon which brought new light and importance to the event. He described how Moses, just as many of us do, found trouble having faith in God. Moses was not sure of his existence because never had he seen God’s face. But God does show his back to Moses. It is up to us to interpret what is meant here. (MAYBE) Maybe Moses saw God’s back, and witnessed the most ripped back muscles in the world, Trap and Lat muscles so big he never questioned God again. But maybe what is meant here is that God shows himself through the actions in which people make. The very thing that inspires and motivates us to do well. Maybe this is the only intervention necessary for God to make change and the only tangible proof of existence we may ever witness.
It is truly incredible how dedicated the Meyers’ are to this cause and how concerned they are with bettering the lives of these children. I am amazed at how far it has come in the relatively short time I have been a part of it.
So tonight when three stars come out, Rosh Hashanah begins. So I try and forget all the worries which seem so important, the SATs and college, HW and XC. I take a tiny fraction of my year to consider how I can better the lives of others. Thank you and I wish all of you a happy Jewish New year. Shena’ Tov’ah.
And now I would like to pass the mic over to the real reason I am here. Ms Jane Meyers.
