Beyond the conflict news source Israel21c just released a feature on young Israeli inventor Zion Badash who came up with a product that just may revolutionize the auto industry, and make the world a little greener while he’s at it…
This Passover, symbolism isn’t enough, argues the UJC’s new fundraising and awareness video.
The video states that:
“with over 11 million people out of work” and “countless Jewish families here and around the world who suddenly can’t put food on their table,” we must do more than invite strangers to our Seders and symbolically open our doors to Elijah. This year, “We all need to open our doors, our hearts, our wallets, a little wider.”
Passover is the time to celebrate the end of bondage, the beginning of freedom. We are taught to retell the story, and are responsible for making sure we, and others, can live it out.
Have a happy and meaningful Passover!
This month marks the 100th anniversary of the city of Tel Aviv!
Tel Aviv is very much a bustling metropolis, but the video below presents a more sedate take on the city. An initiative called the Balloon Project, which began in San Fransisco, recently released a bunch of helium-filled balloons over Tel Aviv. The video captured from this flight is from the balloon’s point of view, and is the longest of its kind ever recorded!
The video is slow and meditative, and it’s interesting to see the way the city develops as the balloon floats higher and higher. Talk about reaching for the stars…
Last Monday was Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for the Trees. It’s a lot like Arbor Day, a time when we mark the coming of spring and celebrate nature in general. Some communities host Tu B’Shvat seders or plant trees in honor of the holiday.
This Saturday is Valentine’s Day, which has no explicit Jewish connotations- the closest holiday is Tu B’Av, a little-known celebration which has gained popularity in Israel.
Tu B’Shvat is definitely a time to change the world, especially with the recent focus in Washington on green technology and renewable energy sources. But what about Valentine’s Day? How do we use this time to “reach for the stars”?
Jewcy contributor Dara Lehon has a few suggestions for redefining the day that we can all take to “heart”:
Instead of a getting a teddy bear, save a kitty from the pound; instead of spending hundreds of dollars on dinner, cook a meal together-or volunteer at a soup kitchen; instead of traveling on a romantic vacation, take a winter walk, run, or bike ride-anything without a car or plane. Instead of buying chocolate, get some arugula and squash at the local farmer’s market. After all, nothing says “I Love You” like a good butternut.
Romance and celebrations of feelings should, in no way, be overlooked. In fact, they should be embraced (and not on national TV or Facebook alone).
But maybe it’s time to redefine our thinking, to overhaul the system, to embrace our singledom-or coupledom-and to seek out newness. And, in the spirit of Tu’Bshvat–or this month–plant some new seeds.
This February, instead of killing flowers, I say create life instead.
First lady of Israeli stage and screen Gila Almagor has had a brilliant career. She was born in 1939 in pre-State Israel and made her stage debut at age 17. She has since appeared in everything from the classic 1964 film “Sallah Shabati” to the recent hit Israeli TV show “BeTipul” (”In Therapy”). She has also used her success and influence to create the Gila Almagor Wish Fund, a foundation in Israel which supports sick children and works to fulfill their wishes. She is also an accomplished author, having published several young adult books as well as a personal memoir called “The Summer of Aviya,” which has been turned into a one-woman show.
“I do so much because time is precious- I never waste my time,” she says.
Below is a video describing the work of the Gila Almagor Wish Fund. Ms. Almagor will be coming to Chicago in late March- check back soon for more information!
For eight years, the tiny Israeli town of Sderot has been bombarded by rockets fired by Hamas from the Gaza strip.
Yet, Sderot has managed to produce some of Israel’s most exciting and diverse musical acts.
Sometimes the best way to change the world is by refusing to let it change you.
A new documentary, “Sderot: Rock in the Red Zone,” highlights the numerous bands who have emerged from this situation in the past years. They are helping the residents express their frustrations and concerns, raising awareness for the situation, and creating some amazing songs. Below is the trailer.
Louder Than a Bomb is a film about passion, competition, teamwork, and trust. Its about the joy of being young, and the pain of growing up. Its about speaking out, making noise, and finding your voice.
It also just happens to be about poetry.
Chicago’s Kevin Coval co-founded the “Louder than a Bomb” teen poetry festival eight years ago, and it has since grown into the largest of its kind in the country. Below is a video promo for a documentary being made about the festival. “Louder than a Bomb” is building bridges and empowering young voices.
Kevin, originally from Chicago’s northern suburbs, found his poetic voice while wrestling with Jewish tradition and falling in love with hip-hop. And now he’s taking his talent and passion and changing the face of our coomunity.
This past Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, in the mixed Israeli city of Akko (English: Acre) was not a pleasant time- riots broke out between Jewish and Arab-Muslim residents. But now those wounds are being healed with new projects led by Akko youth. Here’s a video about it from ISRAEL21c:
Yesterday, Shorashim’s Reaching for the Stars fellows met with Eli Winkelman, founder of Challah for Hunger. Eli showed them how to make a quick and easy challah recipe and the whole group baked their own mini loaves to taste and take home. But the project is about more than making delicious breads.
Challah for Hunger raises awareness of and money for hunger and disaster relief, through the production and sale of challah bread. (From ChallahforHunger.org)
“Challah, like the mannah that the Israelites ate wandering through the desert, provides for people in the way they need to be provided for,” Eli explained. “There are the causes we support, and the people who eat the challah, but also some people learn business skills, some build a sense of community, or learn to feel comfortable in the kitchen, or reconnect with Jewish ritual. It’s a little different for everyone.”
Eli’s innovative project is certainly proof that every one of us can be extraordinary. The idea that started with boredom in her dorm room has now blossomed into a 16-chapter enterprise that has raised over $75000 for hunger and disaster relief, primarily in Darfur, since its inception.
Anyone who is interested in starting a chapter of Challah for Hunger can do it! Just contact Eli at eli@hazon.org for more information.
“Not just a cup, but a just cup” is the slogan of Thanksgiving Coffee, the company that roasts the beans for the Peace Kawomera Cooperative. The co-op is a joint effort among Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Uganda. This unique project not only fosters inter-religious tolerance, but also encourages sustainable farming practices and provides many Ugandan families with a living wage.
Below is a video from an upcoming documentary on the cooperative which both tells the back story and gives some insight into how coffee is made- so sit back, have a cup ‘o joe, and enjoy!
