Journalism by Jewish college students, for Jewish college students.
Two weeks ago, I wrote about my hesitations with the “she-kippah,” which probably gave a few people the impression that I was against women partaking in various rituals and traditions. Which, of course, is completely untrue. That said, I was absolutely appalled when I noticed that Jewschool had posted that a woman was arrested at…
Last week, the Twitterverse was all a-tweet with buzz from the GA. Live-tweeting by countless people and organizations left those of us at home still able to feel like we had a front-row seat. Just take a look at this post by @EstherK on My Urban Kvetch. Of all the tweets tagged #ga09, I think…
So here’s the thing. I tend to think of myself as a traditional kind of girl. I like ritual and history and tradition, which is one of the reasons that Judaism appeals to me. I also love Judaica–putting up a pretty mezuzah, having a collection of Star of David pendants, and of course, my notorious…
Last week, I attended a fantastic Shabbat service and dinner with dozens of students from all around Manhattan, through NYU’s Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life, which I cannot gush about enough. (They’re fabulous.) It was a wonderful experience and full of people from all different backgrounds and every possible kind of observance. But in…
Since I got interested in and involved with Judaism two years ago, my Jewish library has become an impressive (or at least mountainous) fixture in my bedroom. I have somehow managed to amass, according to my LibraryThing page, at least 91 books on various Jewish topics since then. Some have been staples, like The Jewish Book…
Last week, I wrote that I was really excited to check out Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in historic Charleston, South Carolina. It was so great to feel like I was a part of history by attending services there. The stately building was gorgeous and the gift shop definitely consumed a solid hour of my time in…
Some could argue that Shabbat worship is at the very crux of religious Judaism. Experiencing the beauty of Erev Shabbat services is one of my favorite things about being a Jew. And perhaps the best thing about Erev Shabbat is that it is never the same in any two synagogues. The benefit of not affiliating…
This is a bit of a cop out post this week, but I’ve been reflecting. Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who said, “It’s a weird time to be young and Jewish. Then again, it’s always a weird time to be young and Jewish.” I think he’s probably right. There’s so much attached…
Going to a Catholic, Jesuit college does leave Jewish student life with a bit to be desired. Don’t get me wrong, I love it here. Being in any kind of faith-based community, even if it’s not my own, creates a warm environment and an interesting forum to expand one’s religious horizons. Still, though, it’s important…
Being a new Jew, independent of an observant family or significant other, can make holiday celebrations difficult. This is especially true as a college student. I’m a hundred miles from home–a place that’s already showing signs of impending Christmas decorations. So this Rosh Hashanah, just like the last, I’m left in New York City, scrambling…