Reflections

Bethel Wood - 10/14/25

       Learning about the Woodstock festival and going to see it in person was an incredible and moving experience. I was fascinated when hearing about a peace sign that was carved in the grass and then to see it is still visible today, 56 years later. I was intrigued by how passionate these people were to sit through thunderstorms and torrential downpours, to be a part of this counterculture movement. The museum made everything come to life and I can picture myself at the woodstock when reading hand written messages preserved from 1969. One of the messages read → “"To Cindy (with the black hair & the sister) I'm sorry I was too untogether to remember to ask for your address..." This message relates to the fact that people were practically strangers, yet still would try and connect any way they could, whether it is hanging out, listening/playing music. The songs brought people together in hard times, and people stayed united throughout the days. It was a whole diverse group of people, not just a single group attracted to this festival, and the artists varied in genre. The Vietnam War was what fueled this movement and connected to the anti war sentiment. Woodstock promoted peace and love and the war was about violence and hatred. Another big part that played into Woodstock was horizontalism and the fight for equality within all people. I find it inspirational that people were able to turn a difficult time period into a creative festival; explicitly fighting against the war and social norms, and that spirit continues to be remembered and preserved. I would have definitely loved to attend this festival.

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NYC Trip -  Buena Vista Social Club

4-23-25

 

The NYC trip was a huge success when learning about different cultures. The Buena Vista Social Club gave a great performance and made me think about how these issues relate worldwide. One of the most powerful moments in the play was seeing the musical Buena Vista Social Club. The play explored how politics can erase people’s stories and silence artists, especially during times of national chaos. It highlighted the importance of remembering and sharing people’s authentic stories, not the ones rewritten and lost to history. The play also reflected Cuba's global isolation and how that deeply affected its musicians. Once the regime took over, fear and chaos spread among innocent people. This made me think about how many artists and voices were pushed to be silenced. The moment that stood out for me was when Haydée was about to get on the plane, and Omara decided not to go. That was a turning point in the story because it showed Omara choosing her own path, even if it meant staying behind in a difficult situation. It also highlighted a major shift in the relationship between the two sisters. The musical reminded me of Arn Chorn Pond and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, and how regimes try to erase culture, and how music becomes a way to survive and remember. 

 

Wadsworth Divine Geometry

4/7/25

This was my first time attending the Wadsworth Atheneum, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were so many different artworks ranging from traditional Western art to a whole section of Islamic art. Even though I don't observe the Islamic religion, when walking into this room, I felt a sense of comfort. The piece that really caught my eye was the Quran. The intricate detail and floral pattern tell stories beyond the page, linking to broader themes that the Islamic people base their religion upon. Though I could not read the Islamic text, the book seemed to highlight the deep connection between art and religion by focusing on abstract designs rather than human figures. The avoidance of depicting many humans in a single portrait is largely rooted in many Islamic teachings and how they discourage the representation of living beings in art, as it can be seen as an attempt to replicate God's creation. This differs from Western art, which often embraces depictions of human figures and faces as a central theme. Islamic art emphasizes the significance of written words and the teachings of the Quran. The book explores how different cultures express their values and beliefs through different art forms. 

Kumi Trip
11/13/24
I boarded a plane by myself to Chicago not knowing what to expect. It was a four-day trip packed with different activities and meaningful learning sessions to help find comfort in being a Jew of color. There were two different tracks in which we split up, 12 Jews of color, and 16 white Jewish anti-racist allies. Each day we would write down different experiences when we were ashamed of our identity and how we can overcome those thoughts. We did seminars and learned how to interrupt racism, antisemitism, and other manifestations of oppression. We wrote letters to our future selves proclaiming our identity. The Jews of Color track wrote requests to the white Jewish allies on how we can feel safer in the world and how they can help. I made so many meaningful relationships and learned more about myself than I thought I ever could. This teen leadership experience imparts knowledge and skills for exploring justice and equity from a Jewish lens. Through my experience at Kumi, I was challenged to explore my connection to my own Jewish identity and build the skills to turn their values into action. I finally can start finding comfort in my identity and know people feel similar to me around the world and I don't need to hide or cover up my true self.  
movingtraditions.org/programs/kumi/