Meet a Mentee - Eli Reiman

Introducing:
Eli Reiman
Livingston, NJ
Ohio State University

“…the agent asked me, “What do you eat on Chanukah?” I looked straight at him and answered, “Um… challah?”

What led you to Ohr Somayach?

Up until now, I was an atheist. Today, I believe. The truth is, I may be the most changed guy on the trip.

Just to give you an idea of where I was at: When I arrived at the airport heading to Israel and had to answer the security questions, the agent asked me, “What do you eat on Chanukah?” I looked straight at him and answered, “Um… challah?”

So yeah, it was quite a journey.

I found Ohr Somayach through Rabbi Hoffman, who recruited a bunch of guys from my college. But my search started way before that.

Around bar mitzvah age, I started coming up with my own beliefs. I remember learning about the Big Bang, and deciding that science must be behind it all - not religion. I thought religion was just a way for people to cope and to live with questions we can’t answer. So, without even doing any real research, I just assumed myself to be an atheist.

A few years ago, I started rethinking my position on religion. After all, I thought, maybe religion has a purpose. It gives people a sense of community and a way to deal with their questions. I figured, even if I don’t actually believe – and I was sure I never would – I figured I might as well explore my religion, because someday, I may want to incorporate this into my future family. It’s kind of like: “I’m holding this lottery ticket anyhow, I might as well look up the number…”

I got in touch with Rabbi Hoffman, who told me about the JLE and Mentors Mission. It took a lot of convincing on his part – he even booked my flights for me – but in the end, I went. And boy, was it worth it.

What was your personal “standout moment” on the mission?

Seeing Jewish history come alive in Israel. Rabbi Greenblatt talked about how the Jewish people have endured against impossible odds – how we’re the ones still around, how still stands, despite it all. Actually standing at the Western Wall, knowing how we were exiled and attacked yet still prevail, proved to me there must a G-d.

Hearing about it is one thing. Seeing it for myself changed everything.

What changes are you making in your life based on this experience?

Now that I’m back home, I meet with Rabbi Hoffman once a week to learn. I got my Stone Edition Chumash, because I don’t know Hebrew yet, but I’m going to keep learning until I can read the Torah.

I’m going to keep Shabbos the best I can while I’m in college, and though I may not be perfect yet, I’m going to do my best to integrate what I learned into my life, until I can get back to Israel. I plan to go back this summer.

I learned a LOT more about Judaism, which I'm happy about, but even more than that, I realized that authentic Torah Judaism is… true!

That blew my mind. I realized: Now I have to be serious about practicing Judaism. It’s not just something to have around for my mental health, or to be part of a nice culture and community, or for convenience. It’s an actual obligation. I need to be practicing, whether I want to or not.

Thank G-d, I want to!

I’m holding the winning lottery ticket!

I believe!