Truly Un-Belize-able
By Susan Imerman
My first impression of Belize? Jungle. I was among a group of 18 Jewish teens, led by Temple Israel’s Rabbi Josh Bennet and his family, who opted to dedicate our spring break to helping others rather than just devoting it to purely hedonistic activities. The trip had been organized by a committee of area clergy and youth workers, which included Rabbinic Associate Keren Alpert. The committee hoped our group would be the first in what is to be an annual trip offered to Jewish high school seniors. The trip’s purpose this year was to help rebuild and beautify a school in the town of Burrell Boom. About 50 American groups had been there before; we were the first Jewish group. In spite of (or possibly because of) our small numbers, we achieved our objective. The trip had a far more significant personal impact.
I approached the trip somewhat apprehensive, barely knowing anyone, possessing little knowledge about Belize, and scared to death that every mosquito bite would cause malaria. Nonetheless, after seven days filled community service as well as hikes through the jungle, zip-lining, cave tubing, and sightseeing, I left confident and longing to stay. The trip to Belize was about much more than seven days of lollygagging and tourist traps. I immersed myself in the Belizean culture: talked to the locals, learned about native customs, and participated in a dance with the local teens. In learning about the Belizean culture, I actually learned more about my own. This process of experiential learning helped me define my Jewish identity.
It was instantly apparent upon landing in Belize City that “we weren’t exactly in Kansas anymore,” with paved roads and brick buildings all practically nonexistent. The towns in Belize seemed composed of an assortment of broken-down instructures, churches, and the occasional school (usually sponsored by a Christian group). Also in short supply: Jews. My group soon discovered that the Jewish population of Belize was a startling 6. That’s right—6. Not 6 million, not 6 thousand, but six Jews—not even enough to form a minyan. There are no temples, Rabbis, or Jewish organizations. In fact, we increased the Jewish population to a resounding 29: that’s almost a 500% increase Needless to say, finding Jewish connections in Belize wasn’t exactly easy.
Surprisingly, there are a number of parallels between the Jewish religion and Belizean culture. One of the most apparent is both groups’ reverence and respect for trees. Judaism has Tu B’Shvat-- an entire holiday dedicated to the admiration of trees. The motto of Belize is “Sub Umbra Floreo" which translated means, “ I flourish under the shade of the mahogany tree.” And it goes beyond a simple respect for trees. Both Belizeans and Jews alike share a common respect and admiration for nature, and G-d’s creatures.
When walking around Belize, there is very little that is not wild. In fact it’s nearly impossible to escape the jungle: it’s everywhere. Even dogs and cats in Belize take on a wild demeanor. In each dog can be seen its inner wolf, and in each cat its inner puma. The Belizeans could attempt to fight the unruly wild life roaming the country in every direction.
I went on a tour through the rainforest with a local guide. He wasn’t paid. He chose to show ignorant tourists like us around for free, all in hopes that a small amount of the abundance of information he gave us would stick. Did you know that there is a tree in Belieze which has 121 uses, including treating heart disease, blood clotting and infections? Also: there are plants which can serve as pregnancy tests: For no charge, you can grab a leaf from the forest and have 99% accuracy that you are either carrying, or, well, not. I wandered through the Belizean jungle, gaping in awe at the trees, plants and fruits, all of which have the potential to be medical marvels in the U.S, and I began to realize the full potential and beauty of nature. However, I am not the first one to have such a revelation. Countless ancestors before me have come to a similar conclusion. It’s in the very roots of the Jewish religion: respect G-d’s creatures, plants and all, even though more often than not, we really only remember this on Tu B’shvat; a day where we’re commanded to celebrate trees and the wonders plants provide. The Belizeans, on the other hand, don’t need a special holiday to remember this concept. Maybe it’s because they’re constantly surrounded by the most beautiful aspects of nature. Maybe it’s because they’re less rushed in their daily lives so they have more time to notice. Either way, being in that rainforest in Belize, with Howler monkeys swinging overhead, and trees that are hundreds of years old standing tall and majestic on either side of me, I truly understood the concept of Tu B’shvat, and the Jewish religion’s reverence for nature.
I was in a country with a Jewish population smaller than that of the average orthodox family, convinced that I would have something to teach them about the Jewish religion. Yet, amidst a nation of gentiles, I learned about Judaism. My time in Belieze was phenomenal in so many ways: from sharing Havdallah services with the local monkeys, to having the pleasure of meeting some of the most optimistic and cheerful children I have ever encountered. In short, the trip I thought would be truly unbearable, turned out to be truly “un-Belize-able”.
