A Transformation and a Conversation
Posted By James BesserThis Jewish Life: A Transformation and a Conversation
We often talk about the "transformation" that our students undergo during the course of a L'Taken Social Justice Seminar. By now, I have witnessed the transformation many times-students who come to Washington DC with little or no interest in politics leave with an understanding of a variety of social justice issues and the ability to articulate their thoughts and viewpoints on at least one of these issues.
Generally, it's during the meetings with Congressional staff on Mondays where the participants speak confidently about the issues that have inspired them over the weekend-long program that I get the chance to kvell about their accomplishments. This past weekend was no exception. But, I also got another, unexpected chance to witness a student in action.
On Monday morning, I hopped into a cab going to the Hill with two students. The cab driver asked the students why they were going to speak with their Representatives. One of the students eagerly (with no apprehension) told the cab driver that he was going to talk to his Senators and Representative about gay and lesbian rights. Almost immediately, the cab driver shared his thoughts on the topic. They weren't exactly in line with the views that the Reform Movement (or any other liberal-minded person) would espouse. But, to my surprise, one of the students in the car was ready to respond immediately. In summary, the conversation went as follows:
"Why do you want to do that?" asked the cab driver.
"Because gay and lesbian people do not have the same protection as others in the workplace and I don't think that's fair," said the student.
"People aren't supposed to be like that. Man and woman were made for each other and that's just the way it is," said the cab driver.
"I don't believe that. And I think that we need to respect people no matter what…"
It continued for a few minutes-with the cab driver offering his thoughts and the student replying with intelligent and informed answers. It was an amazing conversation. The student had enough confidence in his understanding of the topic to engage in an informal dialogue with a cab driver. I was totally impressed with his courage and, frankly, his chutzpah! The conversation made me wonder if I would have responded as clearly and self-assuredly if the questions had been directed toward me… especially when I was 16.
It's moments like these-when students wear their transformations on their sleeves-that I realize why working 40 hour weekends (with very little sleep) is my favorite part of my job.