Understanding Each Other from 39
Reporters: Lauren Blazofsky, Tsiporah Davis, Abbeygail Epelman, Rachael Malerman,
Miriam Shabazz, Shugmi Shumunov
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editorial: (248) 351-5144 • kcohen@thejewishnews.com
Reporters: Lauren Blazofsky, Michigan State University; Tsiporah Davis,
Albion College;
Abbeygail Epelman, University of Michigan-Dearborn; Rachael Malerman,
University of Michigan; Miriam Shabazz, Eastern Michigan University;
Shugmi Shumunov, Wayne State Unviersity.
• Special thanks to all Hillels in Michigan for contributions.
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With more than 130 undergraduate degree programs
and 120 graduate degree and certificate programs,
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an affordable, high-quality education.
• No fees — OU is the only public university in Michigan that doesn't
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September 8 a 2011
means just as much as the next, and one life
is as important as your own; neither of you are
replaceable.
Tectonic Leadership was a life-changing
experience, and one that will continue
throughout my life. We are committed to a
friendship and unbreakable bond with each
other. We are committed to bringing peace
and understanding to all that we can reach. @
Abbeygail Epelman is a third-year student
at University of Michigan-Dearborn and is a
Peer Network Engagement Intern at Hillel of
Metro Detroit. She currently lives in Canton.
To learn more about Tectonic Leadership, go
to www.tectonicleadership.org.
Rules Of Engagement
Hillel of Metro Detroit intern finds like-minded students
at St. Louis national leadership institute.
By Shugmi Shumunov
OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
40
around the room and did not see individuals,
but all of us as one, working together to see
tension as an opportunity, not an obstacle in
partnering.
A surprising thing happened during my time
at Manresa: My core beliefs about Israel and
my Jewish and Zionist identity strengthened as
did my understanding of the Palestinian pain.
I realized that you do not have to give up any
of your beliefs to accept another's. One doesn't
have to be wrong, so another can be right.
The lines and differences between Palestine
and Israel have faded. The people are one,
brothers and sisters. There is nothing more
important than saving human lives. The world
is full of people who want to be better, differ-
ent and superior. Every single human being
learn from one another
and interact on an inti-
mate scale. The group
that I and the four other
Hillel of Metro Detroit
interns were in con-
sisted of students from
Cleveland, Milwaukee
and Metro Detroit.
The most meaningful
part of the Institute was
experiencing Shabbat
services on Friday night.
Growing up in a tradi-
tional household, my fam-
ily did not often, if ever,
Oakland University junior Alyssa McMillan
attend services at a syna-
of West Bloomfield, Wayne State University
gogue. I decided that I would
junior Ani jacol_oovitz of Oak Park, WSU senior
once again leave my comfort
Shugrni Shurnunov of Southfield. University of
zone and attend the religious
Michigan-Dearborn junior Abbey Epelman
of Canton and WSU junior Daniel Snyder of
Carlebach service. There was a
Farmington Hills in St. Louis
noticeable energy in the air during
the service that was riveting. It was
amazing seeing Jews from different
Sitting on the plane en route to the Hillel
religious sects coming together and becoming
International Engagement Institute in St. Louis,
one — dancing, singing, and connecting with
I could not help but feel a bit apprehensive. I
had no idea what to expect when I landed. I
their own Jewish identity.
What I appreciated most about the Institute
was leaving my comfort zone and being hurled
was that it let the students explore their
into a conference of nearly 1,000 people for
Judaism within the confines of their own com-
five long days. What had I gotten myself into?
fort levels. No one was forced to partake in
However, upon my arrival at Washington
anything they were uncomfortable with, and I
University, I immediately felt at home. The
feel this allowed many students to truly grow
enthusiasm was almost tangible, and it was an
from their chosen experiences.
incredible feeling to be among a large group
This semester, as I enter my senior year at
of young adults I could easily relate to. I was
Wayne State University, I will be responsible
inspired by my peers to proudly stand up for
for helping uninvolved Jewish students begin
my Jewish identity.
their Jewish journeys. I will take the lessons I
The participants bonded quickly. The
learned in St. Louis and use them to provide
engagement interns hired by each of the uni-
the most beneficial experiences for the stu-
versity Hillels were all very outgoing people.
Strangers became some of the closest friends I
dents that I will engage. @
ever met — in five short days.
Shugmi Shumunov of Southfield is a senior at
The Institute created a close-knit feeling by
placing small groups of students together to
Wayne State University.