Meet the Jewish Student Union’s Lutheran advisor
JSU adviser Mary Norris and Rabbi Tzvi Kupfer talk before the start of the meeting Nov. 26. The Jewish-Student Union is open to anyone and meets in A316 on Thursdays after school.
October 28, 2017
While Jewish Student Union (JSU) advisor Mary Norris is not Jewish herself, she said she feels a personal connection with the religion.
“I met this phenomenal community, with beautiful families, while teaching at Torah Academy,” Norris said. “I love how Jewish people hold each other up, and how they expect that (support) from one another.”
According to Norris, Judaism’s value of ongoing argument with God strongly resonates with her.
“The Jewish religion does not take dogma at face value. Everything is an argument, and not in a bad way, but in a critical thinking way,” Norris said. “Everything is examined and thought about.”
Senior JSU member Ruchamah Borg said Norris always contributes to discussions.
“She’s really amazing at getting points across and adding to the conversation,” Borg said.
Norris said she felt that as the GT counsellor, her involvement with JSU makes sense.
“It is only logical that by providing support to the GT students that I am a member of the JSU community because (both clubs) share values in the pursuit of academic excellence.”
According to junior JSU member Leila Raymond, Norris is an excellent club advisor.
“Ms. Norris imparts wisdom and positivity on everyone that she interacts with, and I’m am so glad to have had the opportunity to glean some of her knowledge and kindness,” Raymond said.
According to Norris, her involvement with the club supported her decision to travel to Israel this coming November.
“Hearing the stories and pictures of the club members with an absolute affirmation of that country after returning home, inspires me beyond words,” Norris said.
Norris said she enjoys attending JSU meetings each week.
“Every week, Rabbi Tzvi has something to say that lifts me up, and I think would lift up other people too,” Norris said. “The other thing that lifts me up is looking at the faces, and listening to the reactions of the club members, I find very affirming and uplifting.”
According to Norris, students of all faiths interested in attending JSU can attend the club’s weekly meetings at 3:10 p.m. every Thursday in room A316.
