Whitman Student Attends Hazon Food Conference
January 27, 2009 (TAGS: Campus News )
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A Worthwhile Weekend
Over winter break I did something more unusual then just catch up on sleep. Four days of my precious homework-free vacation was spent at the Hazon Food Conference in Monterrey California. The conference was a celebration of Judaism, a huge gathering of environmentalists, and food-lovers. This conference focused on a variety of issues with plenty of flexibility for everyone’s’ interest with activities to appeal to all in attendance. I found myself overwhelmed by the number of choices available. The weekend flew by in a whirlwind of learning and socializing. Back on campus, I find myself bragging to my friends about the conference, who coincidentally happen to love food and environmentalism.
Over the course of the weekend I biked along the gorgeous Monterrey Coast, participated in a pie-baking workshop, attended a session on Homeopathic remedies, and more. In addition to having new experiences and learning new things, I met people of all religious beliefs, from all over the United States (and a few from outside the United States), of all ages, and with all kinds of occupations. While the sessions at the conference kept me entertained, it was the people whom I met that truly made the conference memorable.
Hazon’s biggest achievement with the Food Conference was creating a community. There are few moments in my life that were more powerful then the Havdallah service at the conference. The atmosphere was absolutely joyous, a reverent affair filled with music, dancing, and a community’s elation over the prospect of a new week. Despite the many reasons for being at the conference and the types of people in there, during Havdallah all differences seemed to dissolve in one of the most fun moments of celebration I have ever experienced. Few memories in my life have the kind of emotional power that this particular ceremony elicited.
By the end of the Hazon Food Conference I had acquired a huge pile of fliers, business cards, and glossy pamphlets. Not only do these remind me of the wonderful time I had while I was at the Hazon Food Conference, but also they are representative of the connections I made and the opportunities that I discovered. Additionally, I have developed new relationships with people throughout the Jewish community and people whom I hope will stay in touch. As a senior in college I do not know where I will be a year from now. Despite this uncertainty I know that I am going to do everything in my power to attend next year’s Hazon Food Conference.