2008 Woodie Awards
Student finds spiritual option
Amanda Bergeron
Issue date: 11/9/06 Section: News
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For many, it is a time to unwind, hang out with friends or jump onto the overcrowded Green Line T heading out to Allston-Brighton.
For Elana Berenson, however, Friday night and the 25-hour period that follows hold personal and religious importance.
It is in preparation for this time, Shabbat, which begins before sundown on Friday and ends after nightfall on Saturday, that Berenson, a practicing Orthodox Jew, packs a bag each weekend and heads to Brookline where she stays with one of three families in her religious community.
Berenson, a freshman writing, literature and publishing major, described 39 traditional laws she observes during this time, one of which bars the use of electricity. Because she cannot travel to and from herdorm room in Piano Row without the use of an elevator, she has chosen to spend the Sabbath off campus.
Stairwells in Piano Row are closed and programmed with an emergency alarm during the weekend.
"If I wanted to, [Housing and Residence Life] said I could call security to turn off the alarm when I wanted to leave, but it would be awkward and weird and not worth the trouble," Berenson said.
She added that while she appreciates the thought behind the Office of Housing and Residence Life's (OHRL) alternative option, she prefers to spend a "more meaningful" Shabbat with members of her faith.
If the families she stays with are unable to have her one weekend, Berenson said she would have to rely on security to let her out.
"Worst case scenario, I guess I would stay in my room for 25 hours," Berenson said.
Despite this obstacle, Berenson said she is not angry or upset with the school and acknowledged the college's obligation to safety restrictions.
Berenson said before she arrived at Emerson she contacted OHRL, who attempted to accommodate her by placing her on a lower floor.
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