Entered Apprentice Essay

I had promised to post this a while ago, and now have decided there is nothing in it that is remotely secret or even that might spoil the initiation for someone coming in to Masonry. I hope you enjoy it.

An initiation signifies a beginning, as is evident by its root, but more importantly, we can look at the origin of this word. It comes from the Latin word initiationem, which means “participation in secret rites.” This is obviously fitting for Masonry in general, and not just the Entered Apprentice degree. Of course, initiations have occurred all throughout history; Adam was initiated when G-d gave him power of all the Earth, Moses was initiated when G-d spoke to him through the burning bush, Kings receive coronations, Presidents have inaugurations.

As for myself, I view the initiation as a rebirth, which is another common usage of the word. As the ritual states, the idea is to be brought from darkness to light, much like being born. And, as the purpose of freemasonry is to make good men better, that first step requires a new beginning: the initiation.

The greatest symbol for me, and not just as an Entered Apprentice but as a freemason in general, is the Temple of Solomon. As a Jew, the Temple has a very strong meaning for me. My people walked through the desert after being liberated from slavery. As they traveled, they carried the Tabernacle, which G-d rested upon. When they reached what would become Israel, the Tabernacle became a permanent fixture, and eventually moved to Solomon’s Temple.

As Moses led my people through the desert, he was given the Torah, the guide of our faith. This was laid in a magnificently crafted box, which was carried through our journey, and eventually came to rest within the Holy of Holies inside the Temple. Thus, the lodge as Temple has further symbolism because we are within its center, much like the moral law G-d gave us.

On a less religious level, I also enjoyed the way I was received in the lodge. I am not certain as to why, although I know I am a little disappointed that it was not exactly has it had been in the past. I would have liked to bleed a little like Washington or Lafayette. Nonetheless, the brevity of the situation was remarkable.

The most important lessons to me in experiencing this degree were those of community and charity. After giving the obligation, witnessing all the brothers standing to support me. This continued well after the ceremony, as well, with the dinners and the practices in my memory work.