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Inside: The Year 5757 In Review — Locally, Internationally.
Neighborhood Shifts To Improvement Loans.

Unity In Action

Two teens — one Orthodox, one Reform —
foster an unusual friendship.

JULIE WIENER

StaffWriter

z

JEWISH arms

ast December, while Bree
Kessler and Georgie Kleiman
were touring Israel, Jewish
leaders were anxiously await-
ing a decision from the Ne'eman
Commission on state recognition of
non-Orthodox conversions.
The tension didn't faze Kessler, who
is Reform, or Kleiman, who is
Orthodox. Despite their differences,
the two say they have been good
friends since they bonded during last
spring's Teen Unity Mission to Poland
and Israel.
Kessler, a senior at North
Farmington High School, was the lone
non-Orthodox student on Kleiman's
Akiva Hebrew Day School senior class
trip to Israel in December. She said
she enjoyed the opportunity to learn
more about Orthodoxy, especially
because she is contemplating becom-
ing more observant. But while in
Jerusalem, she also made sure her
friend had a chance to learn about
Reform Judaism, bringing her to
Shabbat services at Hebrew Union
College.
"It was very strange, because they
were singing to musical instruments,
and I'm not used to that on Shabbos,"
said Kleiman. "Men and women were
seated together. A lot of things were
left out from the daily prayers. But it
was interesting to see."
Although her religious views have not
changed, Kleiman says she has gained a
greater respect for Reform Judaism
through her friendship with Kessler.
"Before, I thought Reform Jews
didn't feel strongly about their
Judaism," she said. "But I learned that
many are committed and involved.
For example, Pesach. I didn't know
that there were Reform-Jews that did-
n't eat chametz. I thought they just
had a seder and that was it."
Kessler, a member of Temple
Emanu-El and regional president of
the Reform movement's North
American Federation of Temple Youth,
says she prefers talking about Judaism
with someone her age rather than a
rabbi. Although the two disagree on

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the role women should play in
Judaism, Kessler says she understands
the Orthodox view better as a result of
their conversations.
"I used to think [Orthodoxy] was a
completely male-dominated sector of
Judaism and that women couldn't do
anything," she said. "I'm more strongly
involved with women's issues because I
read from the Torah at my bat mitz-
vah and in services all the time, but
Georgie's comfortable with the role
she has."
Their differences could lead to mis-
understandings, as when Kessler, not
realizing Orthodox teens didn't attend
mixed dances, invited Kleiman to a
co-ed NFTY social event. But the two
say they are good at communicating
and avoiding hurt feelings.

Bree Kessler and Georgie Kleiman at
Jerusalem's City Hall

"I wouldn't go out with her on
Friday night or Saturday, but she
respects that and doesn't invite me,"
said Kleiman.
This summer, both girls will partic-
ipate in E Pluribus Unum, a
Washington, D.C., program that
brings Jewish and Christian teens
together to learn about faith-based
social action organizing.
"Our friendship has taught me that
being open to everything is impor-
tant," said Kessler. "I feel like I'm able
to adjust to any situation now and can
see other views." ❑