September 7, 2007

Jason Bentley

September 7th, 2007

Considering that half the class was still stumbling around in our jet-lag induced half zombie state, it was a very successful day. It was the first official day of class. And Brother Ludlow took the time to teach us what was really at stake this semester, when he told us that one of his primary purposes as a teacher is to teach us how to be superb teachers. My head cocked slightly as he said that. I wasn't sure exactly what he meant.

He then went on to describe three very active brothers who we might one day get the opportunity of teaching. He then explained that these three youths were his grandchildren, and that he would want his grandchildren to have the best teachers, and we would all one day be teachers. Whether teachers of primary or home teachers, or just parents who teach their children, we would all be teachers.

We then went on to have a great lesson on moral agency and intelligence. We also learned how our bodies are literally made from the dust of the earth. The matter which creates our bodies is made of the food we eat. So let's say we had a hamburger for lunch. The matter which creates the cow's body is the food he ate, which is grass. And the grass got it's matter from the soil, hence, from dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return.

In the afternoon we took a walk to the western wall. It was in the late afternoon and we took the historic path of Via Dolorosa. It was very enlightening to see how many Jewish faithful come to welcome in the Sabbath. There is a really special feeling at the western wall and it is incredible to think that the wall that surrounded the courtyard is all that is left of the ancient temple.

Bother Ludlow helped us identify different sects of Judaism who came to worship. It is interesting to see how just like in Christianity thought the Jews worship the same being their manner of worship is very distinct. One example is that one of the more orthodox groups will go to the wall in a thick heavy coat and a fur hat despite the hot weather. Other groups sing loudly, while others just come and sit and solemnity. Despite these differences, however, we learned that that the both the Western Wall and the Sabbath are sacred to the Jewish people.