If There are NO trees in the forest..should you discuss whether IT would make a noise?

In 37 years of being a rabbi..I have had my share of being the "first"...teaching at Union Theological College in Bangalore, India has been AN amazing experience of being the "first" rabbi, the first Jew...and for most of the students and faculty...the ONLY Jew and rabbi they have ever met...talked to...and questioned....and questioned....and asked to preach in their daily chapel and asked to meet with the master's and doctorate students...

This is a very sophisticated seminary...Indians from all over the country come here, Church of South India, Methodists, Orthodox (Syrian), Lutheran, Anglican, Mennonites, and Presbyterians.

Their services include the option of God as Mother, even in the Lord's prayer! The Women's Studies courses are full blown Feminist theology.

I have taught, Hebrew, Hebrew Bible IN Hebrew, Bible, Theology...and met individually with students about their many projects....I am weary but thrilled.

Tomorrow, I 'read' a paper during the Post-Colonial Theology conference on Luther's Anti-Semitism...I am the ONLY Jew at the conference...a surprise!

Then I deliver my public lecture on Jewish-Christian Dialogue...much publicity...I am worried about being too popular...too quickly.

I preach two services on Sunday at a Church of South India...one service in English and another in Teleghu...with a student from UTC translation my sermon!

Then on the way to the airport...they are taking me to the small Jewish cemetery in Bangalore! Who Knew?

Not sure what you are supposed to do on a Sabbatical...this is my first...but this has been a blast.. to be the first..and ONLY Jew/Rabbi at a liberal seminary in India...I am filled with hope.