Hey! I鈥檓 Benjamin (you can also call me Ben; he/him). I鈥檓 a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Quantitative Life Sciences program at 涩里番. In my research, I follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Ezekiel, trying to make dry bones 鈥渓ive again鈥�; my research focuses on quantifying and understanding the relationship between lifestyle and bone architecture. Before my PhD, I completed an undergraduate degree at 涩里番. I grew up in Montreal鈥檚 Jewish community, studying at Jewish elementary and high school, and attending an Ashkenazi Modern Orthodox synagogue for most of my life. As part of my religious practice, I keep the Sabbath and Kosher dietary laws. These observances have led to interesting experiences at conferences in different cities during my time in grad school. As a student in the sciences, I have also encountered individuals with different perspectives on religion and various religious practices. When I am not in the lab, I like to (try to) go hiking and to explore Montreal. I am also a big fan of sit-coms (especially those with some Jewish content). In my role as a Conversation Partner, I am looking forward to learning more about people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions. I am hoping to hear how different people approach their balance between religious practice and secular education. Hoping to talk soon!
Why did you choose to become a conversations partner volunteer?
For many years, I have wanted to engage in interfaith dialogue. I participated in MORSL鈥檚 Practical Skills for Interfaith Dialogue workshop series in January-February 2023, but I wanted to continue my involvement after it finished. I joined as a Conversations Partner volunteer to meet people from different religious and spiritual backgrounds, learn about their beliefs and practices, and help them confront challenges in this very personal and often overlooked area of life.
What kind of spiritual and or religious practice do you have?
As a Modern Orthodox Jew, I have many (many) practices that cover just about every aspect of life. My faith provides me with a rhythm. The day is punctuated by prayers in the morning and afternoon; the week closes with Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest; the year is sprinkled with holidays and fast days, each with their own meaning, laws and traditions. My faith also impacts my outward appearance; my head is always covered by a Kippah to remind me that God is above us.
What鈥檚 your favorite resource or program at MORSL?
There are so many great programs at MORSL! My favourite is probably the summer gardening group. I have been involved since this project鈥檚 beginnings. Its story is deeply poetic; what began as a small abandoned lot full of weeds and burrs has matured into our small, yet impactful Interfaith Peace Garden. All along the journey, there have been great conversations with other students here for the summer, as we learn gardening skills from Carlene, and discuss each other鈥檚 beliefs and practices in an open, low-stress environment.
If you'd like to book a conversation with Benjamin or another volunteer visit聽Book a Conversation Session.聽To learn more about the Conversation Partners Program, see聽MORSL's Conversation Partners Program.
