Prague Journal

Saturday, March 26, 2005.

I had originally planned to go to Bejt Simcha’s Shabbat services this morning, but got engaged in finishing up two manuscripts and working on my presentation for Martin’s class next week. The sky is overcast today, so I was not tempted to go out. Rick went for a walk – he’s been feeling cooped up, since he’s spent most of the last three days in bed – and said that the weather was pleasant. I didn’t venture outside until this evening.
Bejt Simcha hosted several programs this weekend, partly in conjunction with Purim, but also because of the visit from a group of more than 60 progressive, loosely-affiliated European Jews from 13 European countries. Their organization is called EuroJews, meaning Young European Progressive Jews. Their mission is, in part, to recognize that European Jews have aspects of common identity that go beyond linguistic and cultural differences, and that Jewish people, as defined by the individual, are bound loosely by Reform and Liberal Halachah (laws). They first met in Amsterdam in 1998, followed by a larger meeting in Paris in 1999, followed by Dublin, Milan, Barcelona, and last year’s Purim trip to Budapest. The EuroJews contingent came to the Spanish Synagogue last night for Bejt Praha’s Kabalat Shabbat service, and participated in Bejt Simcha’s Shabbat service this morning.
Tonight’s festivities consisted of a Havdalah (ending of the Sabbath) ceremony followed by a Purim Ball at the Manes Restaurant right on the river. Such a spectacular view! The proprietors of the restaurant are used to Czech time, so they were concerned when no one showed up at 7pm. The party-goers (not many locals, mostly the EuroJews tourgroup) were on Jewish time, so people trickled in and the Havdalah started around 8pm! The dancing went on until quite late.

posted by JWinn @ 11:11 PM