Randy Solganik says...
"We had a great time from Sunday afternoon until Monday night visiting the religious communities in New York City and Lakewood, NJ. This is the second year I went on this outing and it was still a unique experience. We met great rabbis, had delicious kosher food, toured chasidic communities in Brooklyn, heard a tremendous lecture in midtown Manhattan, and learned a little with our new yeshiva buddies. We even held the relics of "The" Temple in Jerusalem in our hands in an amazing touchy-feely Torah museum in Brooklyn. We experienced the intensity of Jewish culture in religious New York in an exhilarating, fast-paced, and fun way that I will never forget. Thanks again to Sruly for organizing the whole affair, and to my travel mates Phil Michaelson and Brian Rosenfelt for sharing the enjoyment and wonder. I recommend this excursion to any of the JFX men who think they've already seen it all and aren't afraid to be surprised by what is out there in Jewish New York."
Brian Rosenfelt says...
"This past week I had a new experience, and one that was not what I expected. I heard great things leading up to this trip to NY from other JFX members who have attended it in the past, and thought it would be fascinating to see a different community in person. Fascinating only begins to describe the trip.
As we walked into the yeshiva in Lakewood, NJ (after an amazing talk by Rabbi Becher in Manhattan), I felt like I was transported to another world (or at least a different country). We walked into a massive room FILLED with Orthodox men studying, debating, arguing and praying with a passion I’ve never seen before. I was out of my comfort zone (big time!). But it didn’t take long for the spirit in the air to overtake me. I’m thankful I had great travelling companions to share with.
From there, my comfort zone got bigger and bigger with every stop we made. Our trip included a walking tour of Jewish Brooklyn, a visit to several Orthodox shuls, private meetings with some of the top Rabbis in the community, some amazing restaurants (it is New York after all!), and a visit to one of the best museums I’ve ever been to (The Living Torah Museum). We literally had the opportunity to touch history.
This trip was spiritually rewarding, energizing, and gave me the opportunity to open my mind to all that our extended Jewish communities have to offer. Underneath the black hats, peyot and long beards are some amazing men – and I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet them.
This amazing experience made the news of Leiby Kletsky’s death even more tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and their communities."
Phil Michaelson says...
"During our 28-hour trip to New York, we had numerous experiences which can only be described as unique. One such experience truly resonated with me. Rabbi Koval had arranged a private meeting with Rabbi Wolfson. Rabbi Koval asked Rabbi Wolfson for any bits of wisdom he could impart to us. Rabbi Wolfson’s comments struck me to the core.
Rabbi Wolfson stated that when Abraham formed a covenant with Hashem, a new species was born. He continued that Judaism is in our DNA. It is integral to us and separates “us” from “them.” A Jew always has the integral components of Judaism within him regardless of whether he acts upon or acknowledges them. Rabbi Wolfson made an analogy to eating sawdust. One can eat sawdust but one will not have sustenance. Similarly, one can elect to feed or not provide sustenance to one’s Jewish heritage. However when one begins to provide sustenance to one’s Jewish heritage, a deeper desire and need to continue feeding one’s spiritual self emerges.
The Rabbi concluded by reiterating that all Jews have Judaism within them. While it may remain in hibernation for extended periods of time, it can always be awoken. For me, these comments summarize the JFX Experience.
