Hajj 2

In the Autibiography Malcolm describes his Hajj to Mecca, the holy city for Islam.  It is the Muslim obligation to make the Hajj to Mecca at least once in his life if he is capable of it.  Malcolm, is suffering economically, yet borrows money from his sister Ella to preform the religious action.  This is similar to my obligation in the Jewish religion.  At least once during my life I am required, just as in Islam, if I am healthy to make a trip to Israel.  The Jewish religion gives me a very special opportunity because it offers birthright.  http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/PageServer?pagename=about_main is an article describing the birthright to Israel.   Birthright is used to connect Jews to their religion more than they would in their hometown.  For instance, there is nothing like learning the history of your religion first hand.  I feel that just as it was Malcolm's obligation to go to Mecca, I feel that Birthright, is providing me the same opportunity to go to the Holy cities of Israel.  My cousin has recently gone on birthright to Israel, and has said it was the best trip he has ever been on.  This reminds me of Malcolm's response to making the Hajj.  It has opened up both  my cousin and Malcolm's mind to other peoples culture and appearance within the same religion.  By going to Israel, my cousin was able to learn about how Israelis pray, just as Malcolm learned about the extreme posture Muslims in Mecca prayed in.