What ‘Type’ Are You?
People’s clothing can earn them a derogative title, or even an assumption of their personality! This is wrong in so many ways.
Reality Threat
The following is a partial list of things I always knew I would never be good at:
1) Math
2) Creative writing
3) Jewish outreach
4) Playing with children
Perspective: A Purim Poem
Her faith she had to hide,
To find out the king tried
But no answer would ever come from
His wife.
To Touch the Sky: Jewish Survival Through A Child’s Eyes
"Grandpa," I wondered, as the swing began to slow down, "why are there numbers on your arm?"
Air Friend
Should I make conversation with her? How should I start? A million questions zoomed through Leah’s mind until she finally said, “Shalom, do you speak English?” Leah questioned.
Auschwitz-Birkenau: A Merger Of Silence And Speech
As I powerfully belted out the song, Ani Maamin B’emunah Sheleima – which means “I believe in God with full faith” – a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
Audiologist in Training Writes
It's time for finals and I've been studying hard for all of my exams. My favorite class this semester was audiology, and studying more about the field has solidified my decision to pursue audiology as a career.
It’s My Birthright
It is ours. It has always been ours. We can always return because it is a right that we have possessed since birth.
Combat Boots
They called the colt Unbridled Song.
His father's name was Unbridled, his mother's Trolley Song. The colt loved to run, with an energy and spirit that stretched into an endless melody of wind and pounding hooves and the freedom of the open track. They hoped he would become a champion.
The Power of Human Interaction
Four stories, four sets of relationships, four life lessons. In one short week from January 15-22, 2012, my world was altered forever by the stories, relationships and life lessons experienced on the Center for Jewish Future mission to help build an irrigating tilapia farm for the small Mexican village of Muchucuxcah.
From `Sin’ [China] to Sinai
This is not my story at all. But when I heard it from Avigayil Madmoni, formerly Gin Lin Lug, a Chinese convert, I gained a new view of what Torah means to me. I know for sure, as anyone who has ever met this very charming, sincere, lovable young woman will agree with me, that Avigayil is my sister like any other Jew and that she surely stood at Har Sinai -- together with my ancestors and the souls of their descendants, namely me and all the Jews alive today, and who have ever lived, since the giving of the Torah.
What You Should Be Reading
At the end of 2012, I was in Israel and looking out at the Jerusalem night sky. I was filled to the brim with inspiration and decided to challenge myself to become a more educated young woman. Simply put, I was going to read as many books in a year as possible. I’m not sure if that would actually have made a difference in my level of education but it seemed like a fun goal at the time.
A New School For A New Life
David looked up. “Hatzlacha, Dina,” he smiled. “I hope everything goes well.”
What Is God Teaching Me With The Laws Of Kosher?
Since the moment God gave the Torah to the Jewish people, keeping kosher has been an essential part of the Jewish home. Accordingly, the home is an essential part of a Torah lifestyle. What goes on in the home directly affects what goes on in the rest of one’s life. The question is, why kosher?
Ma’ayanot Students Make A Bat Mitzvah Girl’s Dreams Come True
The first issue the girls had to deal with was finding sponsors willing to donate goods and services for the event.
Let’s Have A Conversation
Have you thought about this? We will be tomorrow’s leaders, parents of the next generation. What will we do differently to ensure a more prosperous, accepting tomorrow? What are we doing today to prepare ourselves for tomorrow’s new responsibilities?
Young People are Missing Out
At the American Jewish Historical Society, there was an excellent program about Jewish women in the Civil War. The audience learned about such colorful women as Phoebe Yates Pember who served as a nurse, with 15,000 patients coming under her direct care during the war and Clara Solomon, a teenager who chronicled the Civil War.
The Wounded Sparrow’s Message
My friend’s mother died the other day. I went to the funeral, cried with the mourners, walked the traditional four cubits following the coffin to escort the dead to their resting place, as is customary at Jewish funerals, and then went over to my friend to offer my condolences. And then it was over. The guests went home, the family went to bury their loved one, and I went back to my life.
A Week Without A Phone
Today is day six without a phone.
Besides for feeling slightly isolated, it’s not too bad.
I’ve been doing things that I know I would not be doing if my phone was sitting next to me, shiny screen beckoning.
At Bubbie’s House
The warm breadcrumb chicken is like a warm sunny day in the middle of winter. And even the sweet potatoes and pickles taste better.
Taken
You’ve been taken from me my child
I’ve been alone for many years,
That you will never return
Is my deepest hidden fear.
Where Are You?
How can awareness evolve from exploding stars?
Dear SATs,
Dear SATs,
I’d rather not take you because once I do
my worth will be judged according to you-
Good Bye Steve Jobs.
“Your time on this earth is limited, don’t live someone else’s life, live by your vision.” – Steve Jobs, 1955 – 2011
Tree Of Life
Girls don't usually learn Gemara. Everyone knows that.
A Life Of Music
“I was so inspired by the beautiful lessons I learned and by the holiness around me that I just couldn't stop writing songs!” she says.
Who Owns You?
We've fought for woman's rights, and equality for African Americans and other minorities, but our challenges are far from over. Our final war has yet to be won.
It All Comes Out In The Wash
This past Friday it was finally almost official. It was going to happen. Be’ezras Hashem.
Looking Up
In the hustle and bustle of New York City, it’s nearly impossible to stop and slow down - even for a second. The gulps of coffee, swish of a lipstick, and the tying of your shoelaces need to be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The clock is ticking. Everyone is perpetually on the go, not appreciating the present because the future is waiting impatiently. Though I am a New Yorker through and through, I’ve never stopped to ponder this hasty way of living.
The Five Commandments
Whenever I got praised for an achievement, I feel like I should say that half the praise goes to my parents. Although they can get on my nerves, I am really blessed with a mother and father who have molded and shaped me (by any means necessary) to become a successful human being.