akinman

A Waiting Game

By akinman June 1, 2011

I think I missed this memo. After my morning tweets and status updates, I came across an article from the New York Times on my Twitter account about Holocaust survivors who are seeking insurance claims. Peaking my interest, I took a stab at learning what this was about. The article was about an 87-year-old, female…

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Never Forget

By akinman May 25, 2011

Sixth grade was probably the first time I was exposed to pictures of the holocaust. In religious school, I remember vividly how we watched a movie based on the holocaust and how I was confused as to how that could happen. As I watch my younger sister go through the public school system, it shocks…

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“I Understand Hitler”

By akinman May 18, 2011

Melancholia. No, it’s not the name of a new drink, but it was certainly one of the most talked about movies at the Cannes Film Festival this morning. Not due to the movie’s impression left with the judges, but because of the director’s remarks at Wednesday’s press conference. “Melancholia,” a film by Lars von Trier…

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The Spirit of Courage

By akinman May 11, 2011

In exactly one year, I will graduate the Univeristy of Florida. Thrown out into the “real world,” expected to quickly find a job, rise from entry level to CEO in only a matter of years and start a new chapter of my life. But parting with college also means parting from Jewish college life. The…

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So You Want To Move To Israel?

By akinman April 27, 2011

International House Hunters. Seen it? Every week, I will watch repeat after repeat of couples looking houses in different countries. From multi-million dollar beach houses in Costa Rica to villas in Italy, I would like to think that I live vicariously through these individuals. Always making my top choice of the three home options they…

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A Foreign Affair

By akinman April 20, 2011

Three big events happened for the first time this week. One, I went to my first Seder spoken completely in Hebrew. Two, I tried gefilte fish for the first time. Three, I baked without giving anyone food poisoning. OK so maybe I want to brag about the last two events, but I really want to…

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Toss in the Matzah, Bring on the Graham Crackers

By akinman April 13, 2011

In honor of Pesach starting next week, I thought that I’d share some pictures of UF Hillel’s Chocolate Seder. Last week, I reported that UF Hillel would be hosting their annual chocolate seder, brought back by popular demand. The sweet seder took place last night with plenty of Almond Joys, chocolate milk, and graham crackers…

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Dishing Up the Sweetest Pesach

By akinman April 6, 2011

Pesach just got sweeter. And no…I’m not just talking about my mother’s delicious chocolate torte she makes every Passover. Brought back by popular demand, I had to share the news. KOACH at UF just announced on Tuesday that they will be hosting their annual Chocolate Seder at UF Hillel right before the holiday festivities begin….

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The Feinstein Challenge: JFS Gets Ready for Pesach

By akinman March 30, 2011

Every Pesach, it’s the same routine. Wipe down our pantries, pull out the “special” dishes, and discard of all the delicious bread products that are practically a staple item in my life. But recently, I read an article from Heritage: Florida Jewish News that will make me think twice about what I do with my…

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When Esther Met Frank-N-Furter

By akinman March 23, 2011

Halloween gives you candy. Purim gives you Hamantaschens. After slowly recovering from the ODing on poppy seed hamantaschens, and getting the noise of groggers out of my head, I look back on this past Purim and describe it in one word: scandalous. Every year, my congregation puts on a Purim Spiel. The play tells the…

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Judaism and Veganism: Matisyahu Speaks at UF

By akinman March 17, 2011

Beat-boxing sensation and reggae superstar, Matisyahu, brought together the Jewish student community last night at the University of Florida for Jewish Awareness Month (JAM). ACCENT, the UF student-run speaker series, and JAM brought Matisyahu to perform and guest speak at the Philips Center for the Performing Arts. For the first hour, Matisyahu and Adam, the…

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And…Action!

By akinman March 9, 2011

T-minus 6 days and counting! Projector prepped, curtains pulled and seats stainless. This can only mean one thing. Gainesville’s first Jewish Film Festival is about to make waves in north central Florida. Starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, the festival will run until March 29 and will be open to the public. A film will…

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Kicking off JAM!

By akinman March 2, 2011

Kicking off the start of JAM, Jewish Awareness Month, tonight Alan Dershowitz, Esq. will be speaking at the University of Florida. Hosted by UF Hillel, ACCENT, and the Jewish Student Union, at tonight’s discussion, Mr. Dershowitz will be holding a conversation forum with the President of the University of Florida, Dr. Machen, followed by a…

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Gainesville’s Jewish Film Fest – This Just In!

By akinman February 23, 2011

“The Hebrew Hammer,” “Schindler’s List,” “Fiddler on the Roof…” these are just a few of the films that bring out the Jew-ish side of cinema. Now, Gainesville, FL will be glorifying other great works. From foreign to indie, documentary to feature length film, Gainesville’s highly anticipated – first ever – Jewish Film Festival has just…

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Shabbat Under the Stars

By akinman February 10, 2011

Tent? Check. Warm coat? Check. Sleeping bag? Check. Shabbat candles? After looking over UF Hillel’s weekly e-newsletter, I read about an event that I think has potential to change up modern day Shabbat services. Sure, there’s the typical get dressed up, sit for two hours staring at a siddur, and schmooze during dinner, but one…

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