By Talya Gillman, Special to JTNews
Genesis means the beginning. As the first book of the Torah, Genesis describes the creation of our world. And last summer, I attended a program called Genesis at Brandeis University, near Boston. Currently going into its seventh year, the program combines Jewish studies, arts, humanities, and tikkun olam, or social action. It opened my eyes to aspects of the world of which I had never been aware.
Every July, 70 selected high school students meet on the Brandeis campus to begin a month of learning and growth. For four weeks, they live and study with scholars, artists, and activists — all superb educators — to explore the vast and varied aspects of Judaism. Participants choose one of five main courses to investigate and examine in-depth.
Biweekly workshops, community service projects, Shabbat programs, and various evening programs are also integrated.
When I arrived at Genesis at the beginning of that month, I began an adventure. For a month, I experienced college life. I got a taste of what it’s like to live independently. I experienced the excitement of dorm life and finding classes around a college campus. We participants quickly began to feel like family.
In fact, Genesis provided more than a home; it fostered a community. Within the first hour of Genesis, and continuing throughout the next four weeks, the concept of “community” was defined, questioned, redefined, and developed. The objective of Genesis was this: apply our own growth from discussions, programs, and activities to the building of the Genesis community as a whole. To do this, we questioned the roles individuals play within the larger Jewish community, within general society, and within the world.
One of the most beautiful things about Genesis is how it links teenagers from around the world. Each year, participants bring their diverse backgrounds, experiences, opinions, and traditions from five continents. When my new friends shared these things, they opened my eyes to new perspectives and ideas I had never contemplated.
I feel that I have become more open minded, accepting, and confident as a result of the learning and diversity I encountered at Genesis. The growth I achieved during the program continues beyond my month at Genesis. I am aware that I view the world more thoughtfully. Most importantly, I am now aware of how much there is to experience in life.
This past summer, I experienced a “genesis” of my own. I grew into myself. Genesis played an enormous role in my life as a Jewish teenager and individual. The idea of other teens from our community having this wonderful opportunity and my enthusiasm for Genesis compels me to publicize it so that others may experience this amazing adventure.
To learn more about Genesis and detailed application procedures, please visit www.brandeis.edu/genesis.com. Genesis operates on a rolling admissions process. The method of application begins by filling out our on-line form. Once finished, applicants download and print the remaining forms. Applications are due by March 14th, 2003.
Talya Sarit Gillman, 16, attends Bellevue High School. She works at Congregation Beth Shalom’s Sunday School, and volunteers at the Bellevue parent-teen mediation program. She is a link leader at her school, where she welcomes incoming students into the school community.
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