Avital+Li's+Project

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=Rationale: =

For our project, we were asked to interview a person who is "the ultimate" Israeli, who spends his entire life volunteering. I chose to do my project on Sharon Katz. Since she moved to Efrat, Sharon hasn't stopped contributing to society, and the most important thing in life is to help others. The Jewish nation in Israel always will come first. Even when things can get hard for Sharon, she doesn't give up.

One reason for why I chose specifically this person is something that we both have in common; we both dance. Sharon's love for dance has made her use it in order to benefit others. That's when she came up with the idea of "Dames of the Dance", which I have participated in for a few years.

I think Sharon is a role model for everyone, who we all can learn from.

I admire Sharon, for all the love and effort she has put in her work over the years. I hope to learn a lot from her, and to use my talents, too- to benefit others!

Profile: "If you have abilities, use it to benefit others".

Sharon Katz was born in Crown Heights, where she grew up. Since age five she has loved to dance. Her first memory, which she will always remember- is the first time her mother took her to a ballroom class, for little kids- where they would dance to dance songs, just as grownups do. However, since the age of seven- she never got another chance to dance.

Sharon volunteered in all sorts of Chesed organizations. An example to one of the programs she worked with- is; in the year of 1994, during the second Ethiopian immigration to Israel in "Givat Hamatos", Sharon helped sell donated clothes which she collected, and sold them for 1 Shekel per piece; In that way, the immigrants felt like they were paying for their own clothes, though for a very cheap price.

Four years ago, Sharon was sick with "osteoporosis ". Therefore she went to the doctor, who told her that in order to get better- she has to take calcium, and dance. Both shocked and amazed at the advice, Sharon started to take dance classes once again, since she hasn't for many years. After dancing for a while, Sharon saw that she, too- like many other woman- love to dance. Sharon realized that if she could do something, why can't she use her ability to benefit others? That's when Sharon came up with the idea of "Dames of the Dance". Sharon started by taking the ten main dance choreographers in Gush- Etzion, and together they came up with a theme for a show, which fits properly into the one of the stories in the Tanach. Each woman made up a dance, which was appropriate to the topic- but also to her own dance style. After working hard for a long time, the show was ready to perform. Woman from all over the country came to watch the show. All the money that was from the show was given to charity to the needy people in Gush- Etzion. In Efrat there were 350 families, who were living below poverty line. By the time of Passover, all they were all given enough money to buy food for the "Kimcha- D'Pescha".

One of the biggest challenges Sharon has dealt with over the years, and still is- is the apathy of the residents to her great effort to help others. Many times in the past she has asked people for just a bit of help, but she wouldn't get any in response. What bothers Sharon is that to the Israeli citizens volunteering is just as any other work you get paid for; there is no difference between them; they believe it's not more important then other things in life, it doesn't come first. They just don't understand that if I don't get any help, it comes at the expense of others. However, although the difficulties Sharon meets in her work, she still fights for her goals- and doesn't give up, though it can be very hard sometimes. One of Sharon's biggest goals is to erase hatred among the Jewish people; it is a terrible flaw, which has been in our blood since the time of the second Beit- Mikdash". It is a serious dream of hers, which she does not know yet how to realize. But in the meantime, she writes about it in her "Voices" magazine.

A person that Sharon admires is her mother. As long as Sharon remembers, her mother has volunteered for her school and community. During the Six Day War, Sharon says that one of her greatest memories from it is: one morning, she wakes up- and there's a note on the refrigerator:' there's chicken for lunch, I went to demonstrate against President Midderand. Sharon was inspired. Up to this day, at age 85- Sharon's mother hasn't stop working; she is never tired of it. One of the things that help her is her confidence in what she does- she isn't afraid of anything or anyone. Sharon learns from her a lot, and thinks everyone should, too.

Sharon's message to the Jewish nation is to use their ability to benefit others. In addition to developing their talent, they also help people who really need it; it makes your work into something greater, much more meaningful and wonderful, and most of all- a Mitzva. It doesn't even have to be something big: Every time Sharon started something new- she always started with nothing. However, in the end- it turned out to be something successful. Sharon also believes that we should all look at the bright side of life, all the time. She has a Blog which is called- "what's Right about Living in Israel", instead of "what's wrong"- what people usually end to write. Instead of criticizing and saying bad things about our country, she says positive things- about all the fantastic, beautiful places we live in- we should appreciate!

= ** Background research: ** =


 * Research question: ** How does Judaism relate to dancing?


 * Introduction **

Since Biblical times, the Jewish people have expressed joy through dance, showing their emotions which fitted in the time and place. Throughout the centuries, dance has become a part of religious, communal, and family celebrations. From images of [|Miriam] leading the women across the Sea to references to dance throughout the Psalms, we learn that dance was an expression of joy and worship.


 * Historical Jewish Dance **

After the end of the biblical period and throughout most of the Middle Ages, dancing at [|Jewish weddings] has been always encouraged, because of the mitzvah to dance with the bride and groom at weddings, in order to make them happy and enjoy the party. According to Gabrielle Kaplan- Mayer in "Jewish Dance"; "Wedding dances continue to be an important part of Jewish cultural identity today; many Jewish American couples who consider themselves secular still feature traditional Hora dancing as part of their wedding celebrations" (2). The dances which the newly married couples were honored by have been created over the last several centuries, including the ritual of lifting the bride and groom raising them in chairs, while dancing. Kaplan- Mayer continues: "The [|Hasidism], who began to emerge in the 18th century, focused on praying with joy and passion and seeking connection to God through song and dance. As in [|biblical times] , dance once again became a form for religious expression". (2) The [|Baal Shem Tov] and his followers danced in circles repeated their movements over and over again, which increased their excitement. The dancers would sing a [|wordless melody] as they moved, and sometimes their rabbi would make up his own dance before the group- he would create new movements for the circle to pick up and integrate. This type of circle dancing could last for hours, and is still practiced in some Hasidic communities today.


 * Traditional Jewish Dance **

According to Tamara Warta in "Traditional Jewish Dance"; "Dance is a strong part of the Jews' cultural heritage, dating back to biblical times. In the past, it has been used as an integral part of religious ceremonies and observances, and still continues to thrive in certain sects today. (3)" At the beginning of Judaism's history, dance was used to express various emotions of a certain group. Some of these dances continue to endure today. An example to this is a wedding reception dance accompanied by the well-known Klezmer music. "Jewish dances have formed and evolved over the years, inspired both by the Jews themselves and the Gentile traditions they live alongside of. However, their own style and traditions have endured, including such moral rules". (Such as boys and girls should never dance together at weddings and other occasions)

** Dance as idol worship **

Antique Pagan forms of worship  that focused around dance, in  Ceremonies  and different pagan forms of the idol worshipers, were used in order to arouse magical powers. Therefore, the Tanach tries to avoid references of dance, for it reminds of the idol worshipers at the time, which are used in the wholly book, unless it is clearly "for God". A proof to this is a verse in Isaiah, where the goats- which were known as the desert idols at that time, would "dance"- as said in the Tanach. From this some commentators learn that the dance similar to the way idol worshipers would praise their God.

** The dance as a prophetic experience **

In the book of Shmuel, there is a description of a group of prophets, who prophesy through dance. The Chasidim learn from this that the dance can be used as prayer to God. ** Dance in the Tanach **

There are lots of places in the bible, where people dance to celebrate; one example is Miriam the prophet, who started to sing and dance right after the big miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea. The Jewish nation was just saved by god from the Egyptians. To express her happiness, Miriam goes out dancing and singing praises to the lord. In the time of the Judges, after the winning war against Ammonites- Yiftach Hagiladi's daughter comes outside, dancing and praising to G-d, for her father's victory. Another example is King David, who dances with the Sefer Torah in his hands, after the war with the, which the Israelites won. To show his tremendous joy, David takes the Torah and dances around it in circles. However, there are also a few criticisms about dance in the Tanach; Michal, the daughter of king Shaul and David's ex- wife, despises David's behavior. She thinks that is inappropriate for the king of Israel to act that way, as slaves do. He should be a respectable person, because he represents the Jewish nation- which is the chosen one, and a symbol to the other nations. She believes David should act like her father, Shaul- who was very mature, but crazy- and would never act as David did. Some say that the term of dance, is used in the Tanach to mean music, because dance was usually accompanied by different musical instruments. Dances were usually performed after the Israelites won in a battle against the enemy. The girls of Israel would dance in the vineyards. In the time of the temple, during Shimchat Beit Hashoeva- the Chasidim would dance while holding light flares in their hands, and singing praises to god. Dance was forbidden on Shabbat and holidays, lest someone fix his musical instrument. However, on "Shimchat Tora"- dance was allowed, and even encouraged as a one of the biggest Mitzvot. Some say, the reasons that in our days there is no fear that somebody would fix a musical instrument, so dance is allowed on Shabbat.

= **Creative Connection: ** = **__One day/ Matisyahu: __** Sometimes I lay under the moon And I thank God I'm breathing Then I pray don't take me soon because I am here for a reason

Sometimes in my tears I drown But I never let it get me down So when negativity surrounds I know someday it'll all turn around because

All my life I been waiting for I been praying for, for the people to say That we don't want to fight no more They'll be no more wars And our children will play, one day, one Day, one day

It's not about win or lose because we all lose When they feed on the souls of the innocent blood Drenched pavement keep on moving Though the waters stay raging

And in this life you may lose your way It might drive you crazy But don't let it phase you, no way

Sometimes in my tears I drown But I never let it get me down So when negativity surrounds I know someday it'll all turn around because

All my life I been waiting for I been praying for, for the people to say That we don't want to fight no more They'll be no more wars And our children will play, one day

One day this all will change Treat people the same Stop with the violence down with the hate One day we'll all be free and proud To be under the same sun Singing songs of freedom like One day, one day one day I'll be there. One day, one day… http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/matisyahu/oneday.html) )

I chose to connect the song "One Day", by Matisyahu to my project, because I think that the message behind it is very strong, and related to my project. In his song, Matisyahu talks about the world we live in today, where they are lots of wars every day. He thanks god for letting him live in the world, because it isn't obvious to be alive every day. With all the wars and violence going on, it isn't always easy to survive. He asks god not to take him away, and let him stay alive- because he believes he has a reason of being here, just like every person has a mission to fulfill throughout his life. When negativity surrounds, he tries not to let his tears get him down. He waits for the people to say that they don't want to have any more fights, or wars. He wishes they would finally realize it isn't a good thing, which should stop immediately, because we can solve it in different ways. One day it will all be good, the children will play. It's not about winning or losing, because everybody loses always anyway. He knows sometimes people may get a little crazy, because life can be very hard. But they should never give up! It will all turn out alright in the end, if they just keep on going on, and be strong. One day this will all change, the racism will stop- and all the people will be treated the same. There will be no more violence and hatred, and we will all be free and proud to live in the same world, which is good after all...

During working on our project, we talked a lot about "exploring social reform". We discussed different ways to help society. The question of this project was: who is the ultimate Israeli? We shared ideas for how even citizens can make a change. We saw how much power people have, which they use to make huge changes in the world.

I think that if we all would listen to the message Matisayu tries to send in his song, our life will be better. Because if there really will be no more wars, everybody will live peacefully with each other- there will be no reason to fight anymore. People will have freedom in their souls; there won't be any more competitions between countries. But why wait for one day when this will all come true? We can start working on it already! If every person does only one small good thing to help someone else, and so the circle will continue to go on hopefully that day will come soon J

=** Reflection: **= While working on my project, I have learned lots of things. I realized how many people in Israel need our help. I am inspired by the number of organizations that work so hard to help these people. My love to dance has made me interested to search on the subject. I have expected to learn about the connection between dance and Judaism. Even though at first sight both subjects look like they have nothing to do with each other, after a long research I've found what I was looking for. There sure is a big connection between the two; there are lots of references in the Tanach to dance. I learned new things, and it made me look at the Tanach in a different perspective, as something which is close to me and similar in different ways. I got a lot from this project, and I hope others can learn a message from it too!

=Bibliography** : **=

"Daat": Kedem, Dr. Moshe. "//The Spiritual Language of Dance//". Orot College. Elkana, Israel, 2002. Halperin, Rafael. //"The free encyclopedia: dance"//. Israel: 1993, P. 91-92. 20 February 2011 <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Kaplan-Mayer, Gabrielle. "//My Jewish learning: Jewish dance".// 31 January 2011 <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">"Love to know: Dance. Warta, Tamara. //"Traditional Jewish dance"// 2006    <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Tzukar, Menachem. //"Dance in Tanach and Chazal"//. 31 january 2011    <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">[]