2008 Woodie Awards
Camping trip leads to faith in principles of mystical Judaism
Student in the spotlight: Jeff Briggs
By: Kim Nolan
Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: LifeStyle
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Originally a music major, Briggs changed his major to biology while reading "Seek My Face" in "God's country."
"The key principles (of mystical Judaism) are integration," Briggs said. "It's about finding light in everything. If something has gone wrong, we're missing something. We're only seeing the seams, not the connectedness."
Briggs used the example of a folded napkin. He explained the napkin could be seen as two halves but by spreading the napkin flat there is no separation.
A desire to help and heal others. prompted Briggs to change majors and walk his two chosen paths of spirituality and science.
"It wasn't a question of whether or not I wanted to play music," Briggs said. "I knew I wanted to help people in a more concrete way."
Briggs remains unsure about exactly what type of career he will pursue. He said when people are too focused on the future they become separated from the present.
Originally from Montgomery, Ala., Briggs grew up in a southern Baptist family.
"I spent my time studying philosophy and reading anything other than Christianity," Briggs said.
Briggs' uncle was a practicing Orthodox Jew living in Tel Aviv who died in the United States when Briggs was nine years old. Briggs inherited his uncle's Hebrew texts since none of his other family members were interested in having them. Briggs decided he wanted to learn about Judaism alongside his passion for music.
Alabama State University discouraged Briggs where the "quality of education was less than high school." While visiting his then-girlfriend in St. Louis Briggs checked out Webster.
"I heard about the music program (at Webster) and after visiting was really impressed with the school and the city, I decided that's where I wanted to be," Briggs said.
Eager to get out of the south, Briggs auditioned as a classical guitarist and was accepted into Webster's music program.
While attending Banaroo, a music and art festival, Briggs had one of his first mystical experiences.