As we begin a new year, and freshmen arrive at UAlbany, some alumni have been reminsicing about their own Opening/Freshmen Weekend walking groups to Shabbos House, and quite a few vividly remembered who led their group. Sheryl C., an alumna (with both undergrad and masters degrees) commented: “Of course people remember their walking group to Shabbos House, it’s like the boats to Hogwarts!”
That was a heartwarming thought, and I wanted to share it with students who came on the walking groups to Shabbat dinner tonight.
But what’s the Parsha connection? First I thought of the owl (prominent in the Harry Potter series) in Parshat Re’eh, listed among the non-Kosher species of birds. But then I thought of the Jews about to enter the Promised Land, eager to settle in their homeland, in the happy-ever-after of the Exodus. 3,000 years later we know from hindsight and history that for all its many wonderful blessings, living in Israel has been an ongoing struggle, filled with challenges (and opportunities), ups and downs… little did the Jews then entering the Land in 2488 know what lie ahead.
The same can be said for Harry and friends, eager shoppers at the shops in Diagon Alley, enthusiastic at Platform 9 3/4, little did they know what challenges and adventures lie ahead in store for them. And the same is true of freshmen students arriving at UAlbany.
As this is our 18th year of welcoming Freshmen (since Fall of 1997) we have seen generation after generation of students, and both witnessed and co-experienced many of their milestones and personal development, seen their choices and growth and challenges, dreams and frustrations, whether academically, socially, interpersonally, or spiritually.
Like Hogwarts, your college years are an important time of discovery and exploration, personal growth and challenge. It takes a lot of grit and dedication to stay true to your heritage and mission, it requires critical choices and courage, with wise mentors and loyal friendships. Jewishly these are times of both challenge and opportunity. As Harry learned, it didn’t come easy.
Alumni often share and testify how meaningful and memorable Shabbos House and this Jewish campus community has been for them throughout their college years. And as with Harry Potter, the more one personally invests and dedicates oneself, the more one learns and grows and blossoms and reveals within oneself.
So the boats to Hogwarts are quite an apt analogy. We hope each of you make the most of your years here.
P.S. A few years back we did an in-depth class on Happy Potter and its Jewish/life messages or analogies. Maybe we’ll bring that class back sometime soon.