Cantor Hinda Labovitz Signature Ramadan Iftar 2017

Cantor Hinda Labovitz, of Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, Maryland spoke about a lesson she was taught as a student in elementary school. A teacher once told her that Jews should first know everything about Judaism before learning about other religions. Labovitz explained that although she thought it was important to understand the key aspects of one’s own religious identity, it would be impossible to know everything, so why wait in engaging with others? In fact, she said, “often we can learn the most about ourselves through discussions and relationships that we have with others”. She went on to discuss the term “chavruta” which means “study partner” in Aramaic, a language related to Hebrew, which refers to a friend or colleague who helps you engage in the study of Torah or other religious learning. This equation of learning with friendship provides a platform to strengthen ties with others through questioning and through shared study in a friendly and safe environment.

http://rumiforum.org/signature-iftar-dinner-2017/