Much has been said about the unique design of the new Wesleyan Sukkah. Perhaps less is known about the Torah study group that thrives in Wesleyan’s dappled light—whether in the Sukkah or in USDAN room 114. Each Thursday at noon a group made up of Wesleyan students, faculty and community members gathers for a gracious kosher lunch accompanied by thought-provoking conversation about Jewish texts.
All are invited and welcomed! The only pre-requisite is an open mind willing to engage questions that affect our inner most values. During the week of Sukkot, our learning was facilitated, as often before, by Rabbi Wolovovsky, Director of the Glastonbury Chabad, who also brought the lulav (date palm frond) and etrog (citron-like fruit) to share the joys and practices of the holiday. Just holding, shaking, the fragrant species awakened our sensitivity more concretely to the bounties that spring from the earth and from human community alike.
One of the glorious aspects of the new Wesleyan Sukkah was the speckled sunlight that came through the bamboo caressing each face as we struggled with ancient ideas in an utterly modern setting. Vibrant reds and golds from the autumnal foliage increased the joy of this season.
Where else, but at Wesleyan, can old and new ideas, light of trees and illuminating textual study harmonize so vividly? Perhaps in China, before the ravages of Mao Zedong? Or in Israel, when the political conflicts become less deafening? Best to savor this “Wesleyan moment” while we can.
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