Rabbi Speaking at Convocation Sparks Mixed Reactions

By Jessica De Vivo

Rabbi Baruch HaLevi, a rabbi at Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott, Ma, came to Gordon College to speak during convocation. HaLevi was the first part of the series, “Exploring Psalms with the Rabbis.”

Some students appreciated hearing from a Jewish scholar and his insight into the Psalms. Kaeli Byers, a pike-middle-eastern studies senior interns at HaLevi’s temple and was fascinated that the college brings those of the Jewish faith to speak. “Judaism informs Christianity to such a large extent,” said Byers. Although she found certain aspects of HaLevi’s speech to differ from her beliefs in Christ, she didn’t dismiss it. “Just because something is challenging to my current beliefs doesn’t mean it’s not valid,” said Byers.

Others, however, left the convocation feeling a bit uneasy. “It was hard for me to listen to someone teach me about my religion from someone who doesn’t practice my religion,” said Bethany Persenaire, ’11, a music-education major from Lynn, Ma. Persenaire, like Byers, agreed that followers of Judaism do have much to teach Christians, but did not think that convocation was the proper place for it. “Our God sent us a savior. They don’t believe that he has yet. In a way, we’re talking about different gods,” said Persenaire.

HaLevi’s lecture stirred up conversation among the students. It appears that the rest of the rabbi series promises continued discussion and reactions across campus.