Eclectic Jewish Adviser to Offer Rosh Hashanah Services

Efraim Eisen, new chaplain to the College and adviser to the Jewish community, views the Jewish high holy day of Rosh Hashanah as “a party for the world.” When celebrating Rosh Hashanah, I want to see the stars, feel the wind, and hear the birds,” he says. “What more beautiful cathedral is there than the outdoors?” In keeping with a tradition within Jewish mysticism of connecting spirituality to nature, Eisen will hold Rosh Hashanah services outside, in Gettell Amphitheater, on Friday, September 29, at 6 pm, and Saturday, September 30, at 10:30 am.
Eisen, who sports large colorful skull caps and, on occasion, sings Jewish songs with a reggae beat, first became interested in Jewish liturgy and music at the age of five; he grew up to become a lay rabbi and cantor who combines a deep commitment to spirituality with a sense of joy. Trained as a marriage and family therapist (he holds a masters degree in counseling psychology), Eisen has a broad range of talent and experience. He has worked as an off-Broadway actor, a counselor to teenage felons in a California juvenile prison, and, most recently, as Vassar’s Jewish student adviser. A born entertainer, he is about to release a CD of songs he has written and performed on the guitar, and he is adept at juggling and making balloon animal sculpture. Only recently arrived on campus, he has already told stories and performed music in a residence hall—extending the reach of Eliot House to the delight of Jewish and non-Jewish students alike.

Says Andrea Ayvazian, dean of religious life, “Efraim brings to Mount Holyoke a wonderful and unusual combination of gifts and talents that will enhance Jewish life on the campus and community life at MHC as a whole. He is a licensed family counselor, a singer and songwriter, and a recognized leader in developing spirit-filled, creative Jewish liturgy. We are delighted that Efraim has joined the Eliot House team and we look forward to being a part of his services, sharing in his music, and sampling the challah he is famous for baking!”

The Jewish high holy days are observed during the ten-day period between the first day (Rosh Hashanah) and the tenth day (Yom Kippur) of Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is celebrated on the first and second days of Tishri. It is a time of family gatherings, special meals, and sweet-tasting foods. Eisen plans a service that will include singing, readings, and student participation. A special invitation to attend the services has been extended to the Hampshire College community. Saturday’s service will also mark the first reading from Mount Holyoke’s new Torah, which Eisen journeyed to New York City recently to purchase for the College. In the event of bad weather, the services will be held in Abbey Chapel. A catered kosher dinner in Chapin Auditorium will follow the Friday service. Call x2054 or email eliot-rsvp to RSVP for the dinner.