Archive
It was a beautiful sunny day with a crystal clear sky. Outside the airplane’s window we could see Gaza and the ocean beyond. The jump instructor asked my friend, Regina, where she was from; she had such a pretty accent, but he couldn’t place it. Germany, she told him. Alright, her instructor shouted, just like […]
I have to admit, I wasn’t at all up to date with the unfortunate situation in Haiti until this morning. I knew that there had been a catastrophic earthquake with a tremendously high death toll, but I must admit that I didn’t really pay it much mind (I know, there’s no excuse, I’m a political […]
As another Friday evening approaches, I think, as a typical college student, what’s going on tonight? What are my friends doing? My thoughts turn to Hillel, because that’s where a lot of students gather on Friday nights, for services and dinner. Hillel claims to be ‘the foundation for Jewish life on campus’ but I wonder […]
The Global Citizen is a joint project of New Voices and the American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Throughout the year, a group of former AJWS volunteers will offer their take on global justice, Judaism and international development. Opinions expressed by Global Citizen bloggers do not necessarily represent AJWS. A Short Word of Torah: Va’era (January […]
Pope Benedict XVI hasn’t always had the greatest reputation for being pro-Jewish. In fact, he was a known member of the Hitler Youth when he was a young German man, which practically screams “anti-Semitism†(though whether he joined voluntarily and/or participated in their rituals is open to debate). Let’s take a look at a latest […]
While volunteering in Israel on a 5 month MASA program, working with Israelis ranging from ages 7-17, me and my fellow volunteers are always asked the same question: why do you love Israel so much that you are living here? They can’t get their heads around the fact that people not only want to, but […]
Well, David Brooks’ op-ed piece in the New York Times today certainly made me feel special. “The Tel Aviv Cluster†discusses the extraordinary achievements of Jews in the past, particularly those in Israel. However, not only does it discuss the achievements of Jews, but it also discusses the potential of future Jewish generations. Brooks mentions […]
Being gay at Yeshiva University
This past December YU hosted a symposium about life in the orthodox world for gay observant Jews. The symposium was the first of its kind for the university and the brainchild of YU’s “Tolerance Club”. From all accounts, the hall was filled to its capacity; many were not allowed in due to safety concerns. Four […]