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First Impressions Of Emanu-El

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My very first impression of Emanu-El was walking up to a security guard. Although at first glance it didn't seem very welcoming, my perspective would soon change. The security guard was one of the most friendly security guards I’ve ever met. Since I was a little flustered about being in a synagogue for the first time, I asked him if there was any sign in spot for students from USF. The security guard said in an extremely friendly manner that he didn’t know anything about USF but he would be happy to point me in the direction of the rabbi’s sanctuary or to the main reception room. It was this type of warm welcome that I thought that everyone in the congregation of emmanuel-el had. The people whom I met all smiled at me and gave me an extremely warm welcome. It wasn't’ just the people either, almost every aspect of the synagogue felt like it was welcoming and very progressive. It was very interesting to see how such a traditional looking synagogue and new ideas could mingle so well together. …show more content…

The meme that he read said “Only a few thousand more thoughts and prayers needed to save the victims of Hurricane Harvey”. The meme was trying to be satirical by saying that thoughts and prayers were useless. I had fully expected for the rabbi to start condemning the meme and the message it stood for but he didn’t. Instead, the rabbi actually said that the meme brought up a good point. He expressed that even though thoughts and prayers can help, actions are going to be what saves the victims of the hurricane. If I had gone to any more traditional place of worship - such as my grandmother's church - I probably would’ve been spanked if I had been spreading those ideas.To hear the rabbi even talking about a meme was extremely surprising. Perhaps the fact that jewish ritual takes precedence over belief influenced this attitude toward the

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