RDJ

 Religious Diversity Journeys, or RDJ, is a 7th grade program where 5 students are chosen from each of the 5 middle schools to learn about a few places of worship in the Metro Detroit area. Erik was nominated by his social studies teacher, and I was so excited for him! 

The first visit was supposed to be to a Hindu temple, but was cancelled due to a snow day. I guess they can't reschedule it, darn! The second one was last week, so it ended up being the first trip they got to go on. The buses took them to East Middle School, where they continued on to a Jewish Synagogue. They learned, asked questions, and witnessed a Jewish "wedding". The Rabbi chose two random students to wed, though he advised them not to repeat the vows so they wouldn't actually be married! Erik thought it was hilarious! They got to eat bagels and cream cheese and a sweet traditional Jewish bread. 

He said the thing he learned that he most enjoyed was the blowing of a horn to wake them for holidays. He took note that their Sabbath starts at sundown on Saturdays, and he told me he saw a lot of similarities between the Jewish faith and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Their last journey will be to a Christian denomination sometime this month. 

I am so happy that my extremely culturally aware son was selected to be a part of this program and that the program exists!