the connection - rohr chabad center for jewish student...

MAY 2011 | IYAR 5771

בס’’ד

the connection

CHABADOF BINGHAMTON

הקשר

2011Graduation

Seniors Speak6

בס’’ד

DEAR FRIEND,

Today’s 24/7 news cycle fueled in large measure and made evenmore manic by social media, gives new meaning to the old saw“today’s headline is tomorrow’s history.” Even as CNN pontifi-

cates about tomorrow’s headlines it is entirely possible that by the timethe newspaper comes off the press its content will be old news.

Global events of enormous proportion are regularly eclipsed by the next such event causing us tolose perspective on words such as “big” or “important.” Before we can even ab-sorb what we have learned and ponder its ramifications , our attention is grabbedby something newer yet. The succession of popular revolts in the Middle Easttook center until the earthquake / tsunami and ensuing nuclear disaster hit inJapan, this was followed quickly by the audacious murder of the Fogel family. Thedemise of Osama Bin Laden has us exhilarated as I write, but chances are that bythe time you read this something else will already be lighting up the blogosphere.The sheer pace of the news robs us also of the ability to connect the dots and pon-der the ways in which events are intertwined.

There is however, a category of unreported news; the really big stuff that we pray never makes theheadlines. That is, of course, the everyday aspects of our personal lives. No matter what else is going on,nothing takes up as much of our head space as our daily grind: The pain in a limb or tooth. The theftof credit cards. The promotion at work. The conversation with an old friend. These events are intenselypersonal, relevant and time sensitive. It’s the stuff of our lives. It’s big.

In this period between Pesach and Shavuot we are commanded to count each day. The Mitzvahof Sefirat Haomer—a reenactment of the count the Jews undertook upon leaving Egypt in prepara-tion for the revelation at Sinai—underscores not only the importance of each day but the way inwhich each day affects the other. The mitzvah is completed only if 49 days are counted in uninter-rupted sequence. It is the cumulative effect of each day linked with the one before it and the oneafter that brings us to our goal. It is these days that tie the Exodus to the Revelation; days of reflec-tion and self growth that culminate in greatness. Sefirat Haomer forces us to focus on the unparal-leled opportunity each day affords us; not only to count but to be accountable. To relate to time asintegrated rather than incremental.

“Teach us to number our days,” wrote the Psalmist. Our every day and every action truly is the “bignews.” Are we using these days in the most meaningful and positive fashion? Are we doing all wepossibly can? Are our days cohesive? Is our story line one we return to with renewed energy andfocus each day?

I wish you all a meaningful Shavuot holiday and a wonderful summer. To our graduates I say, L’hi-traot, never good-bye. We will miss you sorely but watch you leave with pride anticipating the im-portant ways in which you will enrich our world. Mazel Tov upon this milestone; may you see thefulfillment of your every dream and prayer and may we always share joyous occasions.

N’hiye B’kesher, let’s stay connected and be in touch!

Rabbi Aaron Slonim Rabbi Aaron Slonim

A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRCTOR

Executive DirectorRabbi Aaron Slonim

Education DirectorMrs. Rivkah Slonim

Chabad Downtown and EducationRabbi Zalman & Rochel Chein

Programming and DevelopmentRabbi Levi & Hadasa Slonim

President Mr. Barry Newman

Vice President Mr. Michael Wright

Women’s League ChairpersonMrs. Paula Rubin

Board MembersMr. Richard FrankelMr. Charles Gilinsky

Mr. Alfred LavkerMr. Alan Piaker

Solomon Polachek Ph.D.Liz Rosenberg Ph.D.

Dr. Charles RubinMr. Brian Savitch

Mrs. Susan Walker

Founding Board MembersMr. Abe L. Piaker OBM

Prof. Philip M. Piaker OBMDr. Barrett J. Raff OBM

Chabad Center for Jewish Student Lifeat Binghamton University

420 Murray Hill Rd • Vestal, NY 13850

[email protected]

www.JewishBU.com

Editor Rivkah SlonimStaff Writer Alan Zeitlin

Proofreading Devora Leah Popack,Marlene Serkin,Chaya M. Slonim

Design & Printing The PrinthousePhoto Credits J. Forrest, J.Cohen

D. Occonor andP. Garret

Volume 2, Issue 4Published by

CHABAD OF BINGHAMTONContact us at [email protected]

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTBinghamton Makes Aliyah

JEWISH LIVINGCelebrating Shavuot

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHTDora Polachek

PHOTO GALLERYChabad in Action

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For information about dedication opportunities please visit www.JewishBU.com/Hakesher

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTAmanda Winer

ON MY MINDAre you man enough?

? ?

In loving memory of Dovid ben Yitzchok Meir Zenilmanby his children Dr. Michael and Marilyn Zenilman and their children

Jeremy '06, Elliot '09, Daniel '09 and Ariella '11

May 2011, Volume 2, Issue 4. Hakesher is published fourtimes a year; September, December, March and May byChabad of Binghamton, 420 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal, NY13850. Postage paid at Newark, NJ post offices.

Certain things you earned. You paidfor them with cash, toil and derring-do.Perhaps these are the things from whichyou derive your deepest sense of accom-plishment. You are invested in them. Youhave achieved them.

Certain things were given to you. Abrand new car that is a gift from yourparents. A wise man you met somewheretaught you something you would neverhave figured out on your own. Someoneloves you, generously, more than you de-serve to be loved. Perhaps these are thethings that you desire most of all. Afterall, you could never have achieved themon your own. They are beyond you; theybelong to a reality greater than yourself.Being gifted these things means that you

have transcended your limitations.Finally, certain things are yours be-

cause they are inherently, intrinsically,yours. They are your birthright, your in-heritance. You did nothing to earn themand no one gave them to you: you possesthem by virtue of who and what you are.Your soul. Your mind. Your inborn tal-ents. Your homeland. Your traditions.

Perhaps these things do not afford youthe depth of fulfillment you get from thethings you earn. Perhaps you do not ex-perience the intensity of desire andstriving for them evoked by the “gifts” oflife. But these are more yours than any-thing else you possess.

Your earning power will fluctuate asyou traverse the rises and dips of life, as

you grow or diminish in strength, men-tal proficiency and spiritual sensitivity.The gifts you receive will always dependon forces beyond your control. But thethings that are inherently yours will beyours in all circumstances and under allconditions. Even if you reject them anddisavow them, they will remain ever, ir-revocably yours.

__________________On the sixth day of the Hebrew month

of Sivan in the year 2448 from creation(1313 BCE), the newborn nation of Israelassembled at the foot of Mount Sinai toreceive the Torah from G-d. Ever since,the event is referred to in the language ofour sages as the “Giving of the Torah.” In-deed, the Torah calls itself our “gift fromthe desert” (Numbers 21:18).

The Torah, however, also describes it-self as Israel’s “acquisition” (Proverbs 4:2),as well as “the inheritance of the congre-gation of Jacob” (Deuteronomy 33:4).

So which is it—gift, acquisition or in-heritance?

The Torah is an acquisition for whichwe must struggle and toil, which becomesours through diligent study and meticu-lous observance. As such, we experiencethe deep sense of fulfillment that only afully-earned achievement can bring.

The Torah is a divine gift, for its wis-dom is above and beyond anything ourfinite selves could attain. As such, it wak-ens our most transcendent strivings, el-evating us above our temporality andmortality, making of us infinitely morethan we are on our own.

And the Torah is our inheritance, ourbirthright. As such it is always ours.Even when we do not earn it. Even whenwe close ourselves to the gift of it beingbestowed upon us from above. For it isof a piece with our essence.

What do you have?By Yanki Tauber

Based on the teachings of theLubavitcher Rebbe of righteous memory

What do you have? And what makes it yours?Look around you and make a mental list of the things that are

“yours”: your husband or wife; your children; your home; yourjob; your knowledge; your car; your socks; your friends; yourreputation; your magazine subscriptions —

These things differ greatly from each other. They differ alsoin the meaning of the word “your” as applied to them. But theyare all, in some sense, yours. How did you come to possess them?

TORAH FOR TODAY

Reprinted with permission from Chabad.org

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 3

ALUMNISPOTLIGHT

There are some places that taxi driv-ers won’t take you because theythink it’s too dangerous. And that’s

exactly where Roni Loeb (’91) wanted tolive. The taxi took her and her family fromBen-Gurion Airport to the green line and abus transported her from there to her newhome in Gush Etzion.

Loeb is one of a number ofBinghamton grads who have en-joyed time at Chabad, cultivateda love of Israel and decided tomake aliyah. To be sure, movingto Israel has its share of chal-lenges, including concerns notonly about safety, but about fi-nancial security and leaving rel-atives behind in the U.S.

“It’s very hard because it’svery cushy to stay in America,”Loeb said in a phone interviewfrom Israel. “But we figured wewould never pay off our loansanyway. We sold our house andwe took the leap.”

Loeb said she didn’t have to cook a meal for six monthsas the community welcomed her. She said she felt an im-mediate connection to the land and felt safe.

“Day to day, you don’t feel it,” she said of the danger.“The truth is you have a greater chance of being in a caraccident. Its’ not how you think it is as shown on TV inAmerica. And you have to remember that G-d has a plan.”

Loeb, a social worker, who helps run a mental healthclinic working with victims of terror, said the spiritual

power outweighs other concerns that many have.Menucha Rothenberg (‘94) met her husband in Is-

rael. She was reluctant to make aliyah because of her fam-ily in the U.S., but peer pressure kicked in.

“Many of our closest friends had made aliyah over theyears, and whenever the next family got on that plane,we thought about it all over again,” she wrote in an e-mail. “When the people we most relate to spirituallywere all moving to Israel, we thought ‘Is G-d telling us

something here?’”Rothenberg said when she

went to Binghamton, she had nointention of setting foot inChabad.

“I assumed a chassidic Reb-betzin was quiet, obedient, sub-servient and chained in thekitchen, barefoot and pregnantof course,” she wrote. Instead,she found a Rebbetzin she couldrelate to and a Rabbi that waswarm and encouraging.

Amit Golan (‘04) said heconsiders the Slonims part ofhis family and is happy that hisown family had its roots in

Chabad of Binghamton. Golan met a cool girl at Chabadwho was visiting and she wanted to set him up with a girlshe knew at Stern College. That date never took place,but he married the girl he met at Chabad and the two livewith their four children in Ramat Beit Shemesh. It was acase where the shadchan became the bashert.

Golan, who works for the First International Bank ofIsrael, said that while financial uncertainty definitelyscares people off, the power of the land is one that can’tbe measured by numbers.

FROM MURRAY HILL ROADTO THE HILLS OF JERUSALEMAlan Zeitlin ‘00

Over the years a substantial number of Binghamton Chabad alumni have made Aliya.Below we profile just a few and hope to feature others on a forthcoming occasion.

4 | HAKESHER MAGAZINE

Clockwise from top right: Menucha Rothenberg and family,Barak Raz, Amit Golan and family, Roni Loeb and family

‘94 Liba and Yaakov Kadar announce the birth of their daughter , Yocheved,March 25, 2011, Adar 20 5771. She was welcomed home by her siblingsTamar Rus, Binyomin Yehuda, Yitzchok Matisyahu, Hadasa Bracha, MosheDovid, and Yehoshua.

‘99 Yaakov and Jennifer Babich announce the birth of their daughter, MayaSamantha, Maya Sara, on March 21, 2011. She was welcomed home by bigbrother Eitan.

‘00 Darren and Jessica Peller announce the birth of Jack Chase, Chaim Yosef onApril 24, 2011. He was welcomed home by big brother Brandon.

‘01 Jennifer and Yaakov Babich announce the birth of their daughter, MayaSamantha; see 1999 for complete details.

‘02 Robyn Weiss announces her engagement to Eli Reis; a November 2011wedding is planned. Robyn sells advertisements for the New York Observer;Eli is a commercial real estate broker. They will make their home inWilliamsburg, Brooklyn.

‘03 Eli Reis announceshis engagement to Robyn Weiss; see 2002 for completedetails.

‘07 Aliza Grabel Wohl announces her engagement to Avi Hirsh Sadiky; a Fall2011 wedding is planned. Aliza is completing her Masters degree inOccupational therapy at Thomas Jefferson University; Avi is a physicaltherapist who works for Novacare Rehabilitation in Yardley, Pennsylvania.They will make their home in Philadelphia.Michal and Jamie Cepler announce the birth of their daughter ElishevaChana, on Sunday April 10.

‘10 Josh Jasper and Jessi Klein (’11) announce their July 10, 2011 marriage.They will make their home in Boston where they will both be attendinggraduate school.

MAZEL TOVS

For up to date Chabad Alumni news, visit: www.facebook.com/ChabadBUAlumni

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 5

“Living here, you feel like you’re a part of somethingso great and there’s just a tremendous sense of pur-pose,” he said in a phone interview. “Of course whenyou make a big decision there’s uncertainty. There’s riskbut here, there’s great reward.”

Many who make aliyah say that Israel is often por-trayed as a war zone in America and Europe and oneperson who is trying to make sure Israel is viewed in apositive light is Barak Raz (‘05). Raz, who made aliyahthe year after graduating, is the spokesperson for theIsrael Defense Forces to the North American press.He’s appeared on Fox News, NBC and WPIX to namea few channels.

Raz, who said he was inspired to move to Israel aftera Birthrigth Israel trip with Rabbi Slonim, feels his mis-sion is a crucial one.

“Us spokespeople, while not on the battlefield, are en-gaging in battles in living rooms, on campuses, and atworkplaces around the world,” he wrote in an e-mail.“Helping provide the IDF with the ability to carry out itsnecessary operations—both during routine security op-erations and in times of war—is a difficult task. It re-quires me to be available 24/7 in a very high-paced andintense environment, but serving the State of Israel andthe Jewish people is the ultimate reward. The shlichut(sense of mission) I feel in my specific role, gives me thestrength and motivation to go out there and do what Ido each and every single day.”

Golan said people who are worried they won’t beable to get the same food shouldn’t worry.

“I have everything here that I had in America,” hesaid while going through his cupboard. “Except maybegreat bagels. Those are a little hard to get.”

Loeb said she is not surprised that a number ofChabad alumni have made aliyah. She said she remem-bers leading services at the nearby conservative syna-gogue and then going to Chabad for lunch. She said theSlonims were always welcoming and non judgmental.

Loeb, who is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, saidthe seeds were sown at Chabad to study and it eventu-ally came to the importance of the land of Israel someyears later. Now, with four daughters, she says shecouldn’t be happier.

“Along with marrying my husband, it was the best deci-sion that I ever made in my life,” she said. “If there are peo-ple that are weighing their options and they have a desireto make aliyah, I would say they should just do it.”

Alan Zeitlin '00 teaches English and Journalism at a Brooklynpublic high school. As a freelance writer for the past 10 years, hisarticles have appeared in The Jewish Week, The Journal News andother publications.


SHAVUOT 5771SIVAN 6-7JUNE 8-9, 2011

Truthcannot be marketed.

It can only be lived.

Our festivals all evoke excitement and splendor.Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover andSukkot all come wrapped in festive symbols

that fire our imaginations. The Shofar, the sacred fast,the little huts we build and the lulav and etrog webuy, matzah and the whole Seder experience – theyall constitute so much of the imagery we have insideour childhood memories. Neither are Chanukah andPurim short on symbols – menorahs and graggers areonly two of many. It is these vivid symbols thatstimulate our eager anticipation of beautiful andmeaningful holiday celebrations today.

But what about Shavuot? Does it not seemsomewhat orphaned and bereft of imagery? Whereis there a strong symbol for Shavuot? What prominentimage do we hold aloft to represent the season of theGiving of the Torah? Yes, there are the TenCommandments, but they are studied and observedall year long too. Why do all the other festivals seemto have specific signs, vivid emblems or icons tocapture our attention and Shavuot does not?

The 19th century German rabbi and thinkerSamson Raphael Hirsch suggests that for somethingas special as Shavuot, the holiday which representsthe Giving of the Torah, i.e. the very foundation ofJudaism, a mere symbol would be utterly inadequate.What are Jews without Torah? What is Judaismwithout Torah? To reduce Torah to asymbol is to violate its

sanctity. The only way to represent Torah is to live byit. Torah is measured by substance not by symbols.Can Torah be contained or encapsulated in a logo orsymbol?

In the language of the Chassidic masters, theTorah is higher than mere symbolism; it is beyonddepiction or embodiment. It is not only wisdom or law.The Giving of the Torah was not merely an event or ahistorical experience. Torah is the very essence ofeverything.

So when we need to remember the Exodus andthe miraculous protection in the wilderness, we dothings to keep that memory alive and to help us relivethose experiences. But Torah is not limited tomemories. Remembering Sinai, the TenCommandments, and the thunder and lightning, is notgood enough. The only way we can plug into Torah isby living it. There are no shortcuts. We need to studyTorah, learn its ways and live by it.

That's why the great Torah teachers through thecenturies have not necessarily been outwardlycharismatic, at least not in the popular sense. Norhave they needed to be tall, larger than lifepersonalities. Some of our greatest spiritual leadershave been small in size but giants in stature. Theywere humble, unassuming and pious. It wasn't their

By Rabbi Yossy Goldman

Commemorating 3,323SHAVUOT:

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 7

powerful baritones or handsome features whichattracted the people, but their nobility of characterthat commanded respect. Sure, their deep wisdomwas an outstanding quality but, more importantly, itwas their flawless behavior that made them standout. Those who were academically brilliant at Talmudbut whose conduct did not match their scholarshipdid not become the Torah leaders of their generation.The truly great ones who stood out were those whobecame "Torah personalities." The genuine Torahleaders of history weren't seeking fame or fortune.They hired no publicists to mount PR campaigns.

They were men of truth and, intuitively, the peopleflocked to them.

And the same holds true to this day. BecauseTorah is truth and truth must be lived truthfully andconsistently, otherwise it's a lie.

So Shavuot has no dominant symbol. Torah is toopowerful, too awesome and too sacred to be slicklypackaged or labeled with a logo. Torah is truth. Andtruth cannot be marketed. It can only be lived.Rabbi Yossy Goldman is the Senior Rabbi of the SydenhamHighlands North Shul since 1986, president of the South AfricanRabbinical Association and a frequent contributor to Chabad.org.

Before you switch on your laserprinter, read this:

A laser is a device that produces anintense beam of light of a very puresingle color. This beam can be madepotent enough to vaporize a diamond,and precise enough to deposit a dot ofink 1/600th of an inch across in exactjuxtaposition with tens of thousands ofsimilar dots to produce your office memoin 12 pt. Times New Roman (captions in14 pt Arial Narrow). Even more precise (and moreexpensive) are devices that yield a beam exact enoughto perform eye surgery.

A laser beam is a beam of optic light—basically thesame light produced by the flashlight you keep in theglove compartment of your car. The difference is that

while the excited atoms in yourflashlight bulb each emit lightindependently of each other and inmany different wavelengths, a laserdevice stimulates a great number ofatoms to emit their light in a singlefrequency and in step with each other,thereby producing a light beam of greatpotency and accuracy.

__________________As a rule, people don't likes rules. We don't like

being told that a food palatable to our taste buds isunhealthy for our body. We don't like being told thatsomething desirous to ourselves is hurtful to anotherperson. We don't like being told that a convenienthabit is damaging to our environment. In other words,We don't like being told what to do. We don't likerestrictions.

RulesBy Yanki Tauber

For a Shavuot Holiday Guide and insights on thisfestival visit: www.JewishBU.com/Shavuot

years from the revelation at Sinai.

— CONTINUED ON PAGE 8


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Including:Flanken, Roasts,Bone-in Steaks,Chicken andTurkey!

When the Children of Israel came out of Egypt,they were told that, in seven weeks' time, theywould be given the Torah. They were so excitedthat they literally counted the days. At MountSinai, their souls flew from their bodies in ecstasywhen they heard G-d proclaim the TenCommandments.

On the face of it, their joy seems somewhatmisplaced. After all, these were a people justemerging from several generations of slavery. Thelast thing they would want—one assumes—is a setof restrictions on their lives. Basically, that's whatthe Torah is. Seven of the Ten Commandments are"Thou Shalt Not"s, as are 365 out of the Torah’s613 mitzvot (the rest are "Thou Shall"s).

But the Jews wanted the Torah. The Midrashrelates how G-d went to all the nations of theworld asking them if they want a copy. "Whatdoes the Torah contain?" they asked. "Thou shaltnot..." said G-d and He was met with a no-thank-you before He could finish the sentence. TheJews, however, understood that this was noordinary set of rules: this was a life regulatordesigned by the One who invented life, andknows how it is best applied.

At Sinai, all the peoples of the world were givena choice. Take box A, and you get a life thatexpends its energies every which way, inwhatever color or frequency that strikes yourfancy at any given moment. It'll even be able todo many useful things, like projecting animalshapes on the wall of a darkened room or findingthose car keys you dropped in the bushes. Takebox B, and you get a life that focuses its energieson the purpose to which it was created.

Many took the flashlight. We opted for thelaser.

RULES— CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Noblesse Oblige Jose Ortega y Gasset, a Spanish philosopher and sociologistwrote a book titled The Revolt of the Masses in which he saysthat nobility is best expressed by the French expressionnoblesse oblige, nobility obligates.

Nobility is not about rights or riches.

It’s about obligations.

The higher someone’s noble rank, the more obligations one has.

Being Jewish means that we have obligations from the momentwe open our eyes to the moment we go to sleep,from the day we are born to the day we are buried.

They never leave us, not for one moment.

There is no time in which we can say, “Ok, dear G-d,now we’ll part ways. We’ll meet again sometime.”

Being a Jew means that G-d intervenes in our pocketbooksin our kitchens, in our bedrooms.

It doesn’t mean that we’re not allowed to do anything.

We’re allowed to do lots of things.

But always with the notion that Somebody is there,and He’s keeping track.

Rabbi Adin Even-Yisroel Steinsaltz

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 9


Levi DeFilipp

MAJOR: IntegratedNeuroscience

FUTURE PLANS: Post Baccalaureate

Program at The Universityof Pennsylvania

Gabriel Etessami

MAJOR: Economics(Financial) and Philosophy

Lavinia Fefer

MAJOR: Philosophy, Politics,and Law & French

FUTURE PLANS: Israel for a year

and then Law School

Heather Fink

MAJOR: Psychology

FUTURE PLANS: Research Technician for astudy on Post Traumatic

Stress Disorder at theBoston VA

Rachel Graff

MAJOR: HumanDevelopment

FUTURE PLANS: MS in Exercise Physiologyat the University of North

Carolina Chapel Hill

SOM

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SENIORSSPEAKOUT

A SPECIAL HAKESHER GRADUATION FEATURE

After 4 years the

graduates know it all!

We asked our graduates to share

their thoughts, feelings and

hard earned wisdom:

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 11

Laurie Hutt

MAJOR: BiologicalAnthropology

FUTURE PLANS: Graduate school for

Doctorate in PhysicalTherapy

Raviv Jackier

MAJOR: MechanicalEngineering

FUTURE PLANS: MBA program at

Binghamton University

Rachel Katz

MAJOR: Judaic Studies

FUTURE PLANS: Hofstra Law School

Nicole Kazav

MAJOR: Sociology

FUTURE PLANS: Masters in

Childhood/SpecialEducation

Joshua Khakshoor

MAJOR: Finance andManagement Info System

FUTURE PLANS: Working at KPMG

“I have always had a strongconnection to Judaism growingup but it wasn't until I started atBinghamton that I was able toindependently explore my ownidentity. Chabad's services, Fri-day night dinners, programs,and study sessions have enabledme to make Judaism an evenmore important part of my life. Iam confident that the experi-ences and relationships I havebuilt here will prepare me forthe next step.” — Arielle S.

“Coming from a strongyeshiva background I was veryshocked my first day in Bing-hamton. Not having a dresscode seemed like the greatestthing ever. Then I went toChabad my first Friday nightand saw that this school reallyhad it all. I never enjoy Shabbatdinner as much as when I am inBinghamton and it’s because ofthe amazing atmosphere that iscreated by everyone there. Hav-ing started off freshman yearwithout the new Chabad centerbuilding I can say that I amtruly amazed by the power ofChabad and the strong influ-ence it has on everyone. I seethe strong signs for positivegrowth and can’t wait to cometo the ribbon ceremony for thenext, bigger Chabad house. I

highly doubt I would have beenable to maintain my strong tiesto Judaism without Chabad.” —Joshua K.

“I never wanted to be on E-Board, and I certainly NEVERwanted to run or create anevent. But now, four years later,the thing I will miss most whenI leave is the ability to work forthe betterment of the Jewishcommunity. This lesson, proba-bly the most important one Ihave learned in a long time, isthanks entirely to the Chabad ofBinghamton. Watching theirtireless devotion has taught methat we cannot just be happy wehave an amazing community;we have to fight every day tomake it a better and strongercommunity than the day be-fore.” — Saryah S.

“As a freshman coming intoBinghamton University, I hadforgotten to check to see ifthere was any way for me tocontinue my practices and be-liefs that I was brought up within terms of Judaism. This hadstruck me the minute I had ar-rived to Binghamton. I wasupset with myself since I hadbeen brought up as an Ortho-dox Jew. The entire first weekof school had gone by, and I feltas though a huge part of my lifewas missing, but could not findwhat it had been. After finding

out from senior students aboutChabad—a place which wel-comed all students with out-stretched arms—I found myselfin the synagogue davening aftera full week of stress. At that in-stant, I felt as though I had justentered my own home onceagain. This feeling always ex-ists, even after four years havegone by. Every Friday night, thesecond I walk through thedoors, I can smell my ownhome and feel as though I amabout to walk into my family. Infact, I do walk into them, thedifference is that the Slonimfamily is my family in college. Iwill forever be thankful forwhat Chabad has done for meand my future. Shabbat willnever be the same after I leaveBinghamton.” — Rodney N.

“I was raised in a homewhere important values likeJewish identity, education andtikkun olam were essential.When I came to Binghamton, Iwas determined to find an envi-ronment where I could continueto foster these three values.Luckily, I didn’t have to look far.When I walked into Chabad forthe first time three and a halfyears ago, I never could haveguessed the impact it wouldhave on me. Between the events,classes and volunteer opportu-nities, Chabad has helped fosterand mold the person I amtoday.” — Laurie H.

“Growing up in a publicschool in Brooklyn, I always hadJewish friends but like me theywere ultra reform and uninter-ested in their Jewish identities.I lived my life not caring if I ate

a cheeseburger or if I went tosynagogue on Yom Kippur. Itwas an easy life, sure, but it wasnot fulfilling. I knew somethingwas missing and I found thatsomething when I came to col-lege. For a lot of people, collegeis a time of freedom when theycan leave their parents and for-get about their traditions. Forme, it was an awakening of sorts.Being around so many Jewishstudents really helped me to un-derstand the importance of myreligion and of being a part of aJewish community. Everyone atChabad is so warm and welcom-ing and they really made me feelat home. I am proud to say thatnot only did I receive an amaz-ing education from Binghamtonbut I also found my religiousidentity and embraced it andthat is something that will stickwith me for the rest of my life.”— Rachel K.

“Growing up in a Jewishcommunity my whole life mademe overlook how lucky I was todo so; how easy it was to keepkosher and live in a typical Jew-ish environment. Only once I gotto Binghamton did I realize howhard it is to keep your Jewishidentity, as well as how small theJewish population really is.Chabad taught me a few thingsabout myself and the meaning ofJudaism. No matter where wecome from we are all Jews. Weall have the same purpose in lifewhich is to fulfill our obligationsto the best of our abilities and inorder to do so we need eachother. Thus, building a Jewishcommunity and maintaining itsbeing is crucial. Chabad mademe acknowledge that by reach-

#1:How my time in Binghamtonimpacted my Jewish identityand feelings of connection to

the Jewish community…


Jessi Klein

MAJOR: English,Russian Minor

FUTURE PLANS: Graduate School forEnglish Education in

Boston

Sara Levy

MAJOR: Biology

FUTURE PLANS: Physician Assistant

School

Esther Liberman

MAJOR: Economics,Minor: Judaic Studies

Evan Lieberman

MAJOR: Math

FUTURE PLANS: Medical School

Rodney Nassimian

MAJOR: MechanicalEngineering

FUTURE PLANS: Graduate School


ing out to others, doing acts ofkindness, giving in any way, oroverall being an active memberof a Jewish community is theonly way us Jews can keep ourcommunity alive and strong.Being a member of Chabad trulymade me change my perspectivein how I want to live my life andraise my own family someday.”— Nicole K.

“Although I came from astrong Jewish community athome, I was unsure how mygeneral college experiencewould affect that life. Ratherthan having to reconcile the two,it was at my first few Shabbatdinners and lunches where Imet my closest friends. Chabad’shospitality and large number ofweekly activities allowed me tobuild my college identity andpersonal life around my Jewishcore, not the other way around.”— Maxwell V.

“When I came to Bingham-ton, I knew how to be Jewishand felt good about it. After myfour years here and my experi-ences at Chabad, I know how tohelp others be Jewish and helpthem feel good about it as well.”— Evan L.

“As a Jewish girl from LongIsland I didn’t think coming toBinghamton would be any dif-ferent. The school is known forits growing Jewish communityand practically everyone youmeet here is from Long Island

or Westchester. I figured Iwent to yeshiva my whole life-I knew all the rules, what morecould I possibly learn from thisreputable “Chabad house”? Iguess you could say that I hadto be a little different and a lit-tle difficult. I didn’t want to goto Chabad because I was aJewish girl who went toyeshiva her whole life and Ididn’t want to go to Chabad be-cause I felt guilty NOT going.Going to Chabad, for me, wassupposed to mean more thangoing because it’s Friday nightand Shabbat. I began to go toChabad with these thoughts inmy head, as if I was searchingdeep down for a reason to con-tinue going. It didn’t take longto realize that what Chabad re-ally means is pretty much sur-face-deep. As a place thatserves as a break from college-life and that has the uniqueability to bring someone whodavens every day and someonewho never even learned howto read a word of Hebrew to-gether, Chabad helped me re-alize that there isn’t one rightway to be “a good Jew,” andeven made me proud of theJewish background I have.Even after years of growing upin an Orthodox home and anOrthodox community, Ilearned the true meaning ofbeing a part of the Jewish com-munity from my four yearshere at Binghamton. When itcame to getting through all thepainful times and tragediesand the sharing of some happynews, there was a community

here I knew I could rely on. Ifelt like I was a part of some-thing truly special every time Iwalked through the frontdoors of Chabad.” — Ariela Z.

“I came to Binghamton pri-marily to attend an educationalinstitution, and am graduatingwith two degrees, but I havelearned as much, if not more,within the walls of Chabad as Ihave in any of my classes.Through the endless Jewishopportunities Chabad pro-vides, I have transformed forthe better as a Jew and as a per-son. Chabad has not only im-pacted and strengthened butcompletely redefined my Jew-ish identity in the best way pos-sible.” — Lavinia F.

“I've been told that manykids who go away to collegelose a lot of their Judaism. Itmust be the case that Bingham-ton is an anomaly in this re-spect, because I don’t believe Ispeak only for myself when Isay - not only did I stay in touchwith my religion, I grew and ex-celled while I was here. It goeswithout saying that this is dueto Chabad. Chabad’s weeklyevents alongside their warmthand understanding are not onlythe reason I keep Shabbat today(something I did not do beforecoming to Binghamton), theyare the reason I am at all con-nected to Judaism in any re-spect whatsoever.” — Gabriel E.

“Our actions define us andcreate the mold for the charac-

ter we one day grow into. Thegoal is to act virtuously, to livelife through kindness. Secularcollege is an increasinglytempting place, one teemingwith distractions and deca-dence. How do we stay noble?What gives us the strength ofresistance? Life presents multi-ple paths, and Chabad of Bing-hamton represents the path oftrue good. Chabad is selfless-ness and graciousness.” — AlexT.

“I'll never forget the veryfirst time someone asked me,"Are you coming to Hayes?" Itwas my first Shabbat in Bing-hamton, my first time atChabad, and the only person Iknew was my roommate. I re-member we sat at the very endof our dinner table, closest tothe door so that we could makeour escape should the opportu-nity arise. I had never felt sooverwhelmed and impressed atthe same time- it was incredibleto see 400 students of all typesand ages crammed into onegiant hall hugging and kissingeach other ready to celebrateShabbat. It was only a matter ofminutes until people slowlystarted to say hello to me too,although they had never seenme before. And before I knewit, they were asking me to comeinto their homes in Hayes,where "the party is." I hadnever felt more comfortablewith people I barely knew. Theonly way to describe it is family,and Chabad was our home.” —Esther L.

#1 continued...

Robert Nussbaum

MAJOR: PhilosophyPolitics and Law

FUTURE PLANS: St. John's University

School of Law

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 13

Katie Rein

MAJOR: French/Arabic

FUTURE PLANS: Move to Israel for a

year to teach English

SamanthaRichmond

MAJOR: Philosophy,Politics and Law

Eve Rickles Young

MAJOR: Art History

FUTURE PLANS: Gallery Internship

followed byGrad School

Debora Sason

MAJOR: Anthropologyand Judaic Studies

FUTURE PLANS: An educational

Fellowship in NorthCarolina

“Shabbat Dinners.” — Nicole K.

“Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot with Chabad. It wasthe first time that I felt a true connection with my peers and the con-gregation during these pivotal services.” — Maxwell V.

“My most meaningful experience at Chabad spans over the courseof four years and follows the cultivation of friendships and rela-tionships, attendance at dinners, classes, events, and speakers.Chabad has been a big part of my college experience, and the friendsI’ve made there have made my years at Binghamton great. And it allstarted here...” — Jessi K.

“Singing Kabbalat Shabbat at Chabad.” — Rodney N.

“Friday Night Dinners at Chabad. All the events were great andunforgettable, but what can be better than having Shabbat Dinnerwith all of your friends every week? I will miss these for a long timewhen I leave Binghamton.” — Lavinia F.

“Baking rugelach and hamantaschen for Purim.” — Rachel S.

“Going to Israel on birthright and spending time connectingwith my Jewish heritage.” — Sara L.

#2:My favorite / most meaningful

/ most important Jewishexperience at Binghamton

university was…

“Simchat Torah.” — Arielle S.

“Maasim Tovim visits.” — Deborah S.

“Watching how hard everyone worked on every single eventChabad ran to make sure that the Jewish community only got thebest.” — Saryah S.

“Going with Chabad’s Ma’asim Tovim Mitzvah Corps to visitthe Jewish residents in the local nursing homes. Every visit was spe-cial and it was the perfect way for me to conclude my week and pre-pare for Shabbat.” — Laurie H.

“Make the most of everyminute. There is no reason notto get out of your dorm and dosomething new. Also eat therice crispy treats at Shabbosdinner.” — Arielle S.

“If you want something donego out and do it. There areplenty of ways to make our com-munity stronger and it’s too latefor us seniors; we tried our bestbut now it’s up to you. So don’tbe afraid, if you have an idea youthink people will like, talk to theRabbis and Rebbitzens and get itdone.” — Saryah S.

“Even though it is intimidat-ing, getting involved in Chabad

gives you a chance to meet morepeople and makes you feel con-nected with Jewish life on cam-pus. Go to events, take leadershippositions, and help out in thekitchen. Not only will you be giv-ing back to an organization thatdoes so much for you, but youwill make amazing friendshipswith fantastic people, and you'llbe a part of something biggerthan yourself.” — Eve R.Y.

“I would suggest to all fresh-man and sophomores to beaware of the ones they surroundthemselves with. One will alwaysfind him/herself doing all theright things when the onesaround them are doing the same.

Chabad has been the reason I amable to keep my faith in Ju-daism as I have always beentaught at home. Everyone shouldfind a way to go to Chabad once aweek, whether it be for Shabbator one of the many programs thatare run there day in and day out.This will keep everyone in checkwithout any force.” — Rodney N.

“Take advantage of every-thing that is offered and appreci-ate it while you can because youwill most likely never have an op-portunity like this again. Don’t beafraid to step out of your comfortzone and try something new! Be-fore you can blink an eye, yourfour years will be up and you will

be grate-ful for the

experiences you had,the friendships you fostered, andthe knowledge you gained.” —Laurie H.

“Don't miss out on Chabad.By going to events, dinners, andservices, you will find some ofyour best friends at Binghamton.You will never question whetheryou will have somewhere to eat,stay, or study. Most of all, youwill honestly be able to callChabad your "home away fromhome.” — Maxwell V.

“Chabad provides a way tolive a Jewish life while away at

#3:Advice to remaining students…

Arielle Schweitzer

MAJOR: Nursing

Saryah Sober

MAJOR: PoliticalScience

FUTURE PLANS: Cardozo School

of Law


Arielle Sokoloff

MAJOR: Political Science

FUTURE PLANS: Volunteering Abroad

Rachel Szalkiewicz

MAJOR: Chemistry andEconomics

FUTURE PLANS: To be determined

Alex Tafet

MAJOR: English-CreativeWriting/Cinema Minor

FUTURE PLANS: To find the road less

travelled by.

college. Take advantage of thetime you have here by partici-pating. Dinner Friday nights isa can't miss event, and the otheroccasions and barbeques are al-ways a great time. Chabad playsan important role in helping theJewish community at Bing-hamton, and shouldn't be takenfor granted.” — Raviv J.

“Take advantage of all of theclasses, events, programs, trips,etc. that Chabad provides orcan lead you to! There won't beanother time in your life whereyou will have this many oppor-tunities for Jewish growth andlearning, so make sure to jumpat these experiences while youcan.” — Lavinia F.

“Be proud of being Jewish.No one can take your Judaismaway from you, especially if youhold on to it. Wear a kippah toclass, or whatever else you do toshow your Jewish pride. We areall fortunate to be Jewish, sodon't be embarrassed about it. Ifyou remember this your Jewishidentity will be strengthenedthroughout college, coming outstronger at the end than at thebeginning.” — Evan L.

“Try something new and doyour own thing. College is aboutfiguring out who you are andwho you want to be. When itcomes to being a Jew, theChabad house is there to helpyou figure out what works foryou, and will be there when you

realize what you think youmight want isn’t truly makingyou happy. There are events foreveryone and every personality.You don’t have to learn if youdon’t want to, and you may justenjoy the “hanging out” aspectof Friday night dinner, but thebest advice I can give you is touse your time at the Chabadhouse to help you find out whoyou truly are.” — Ariela Z.

“Branch out from the beatenpath. The classes offeredthrough Chabad and Jlearn arereally small and personal, inter-esting, and a nice break from lec-tures. My days felt moremeaningful when I had even justan hour or two of learning fit in.Also, try something new. Sit at adifferent table, go to a newevent, or try out the sceneDowntown. Even thoughChabad is big, it can be cozy andpersonal as well.” — Jessi K .

“Take advantage of every op-portunity that is presented toyou! Join clubs, get involved, andmake an impact on your com-munity. These will be some ofthe best years of your life, somake them the best they can be.”— Esther L.

“My advice to Jewish under-classman would be to definitelytake advantage of all of thethings Chabad has to offerthroughout the semester. Thereare so many wonderful eventsthat are more than welcoming .Whether Reform, Conservative,or Orthodox, I can guaranteethat you will not only feel wel-

come but that you will have anamazing time! From regularShabbat meals to amazingevents such as the Chabad MockWedding, Chanukah Bash, andthe Purim Carnival, there is al-ways an opportunity to enhanceyour knowledge about Judaism,meet other Jews you may nothave met otherwise, and tomake amazing memories thatwill last a lifetime! So the nexttime you hear about one ofChabad’s events, check it out! Ipromise you will only thankyourself later…I know I did.” —Robert N.

“Make sure you take advan-tage of all of the Jewish oppor-tunities Binghamton has tooffer. It feels good to know thatthere are so many other peoplehere who share the same be-liefs as you. If you have notgone on birthright you shoulddefinitely go! It is an amazingexperience that you will re-member forever.” — Sara L.

“My advice to underclass-men regarding Jewish life is totake full advantage of it. Chabadhas so many opportunities foryou to take part in that really al-lows you to be a part of a close-knit Jewish community. Don'tbe afraid to go to Rivky or any-

one and ask for help. You'llcome to realize that theSlonims are a part of your fam-ily too and connect you with theJewish life that you may or maynot have at home. Also, don't beafraid to help out at Chabad aswell. You'll come to realize thatthe food does not just magicallyappear out of the kitchen everyFriday night and Saturdaymorning. Give back to the com-munity that gives so much toyou.” — Rachel S.

“The most important thingyou learn and discover in col-lege will not be taught to you inclass. You will learn themaround the shabbat dinner tableat Chabad on Friday nights. Thisis something you don't want tomiss out on. This is where youwant to be.” — Gabriel E.

“Be true to yourself, andmaintain your unique identity.Don't be someone you're not.Take advantage of every oppor-tunity.” — Alex T.

“The only regret I have frommy four years at Binghamton isnot becoming involved withChabad until my senior year. Goto Friday night dinners and getinvolved with Chabad as early asyou can.” — Rachel K.

Maxwell Vidaver

MAJOR: Geography

FUTURE PLANS: Masters in Urban Planning

at Politecnico di Milano

Ariela Zenilman

MAJOR: Biology

FUTURE PLANS: Medical School

#3 continued...


to the Graduates

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 15

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#4: Chabad is…

“Something to look forward toevery week.” — Deborah S.

“A place that I will always be ableto come back to.” — Eve R.Y.

“A palace set for kings andqueens, but utilized by the laymen,the students who flock there for sus-tenance to fill their souls. Chabadbrings spirituality to Binghamton,holiness to the young men andwomen who crave meaning from itspresence...” — Chavi S.

“Definitely my home away fromhome.” — Arielle S.

“A place where people can cometo grow and explore their Jewishidentities. I feel lucky to have beenable to join this Jewish communityand take part in an ongoing processto connect to Judaism.” — Deborah S.

“The prospect for a better,brighter future.” — Alex T.

“A very welcoming environmentthat allows students from all differ-ent backgrounds to come togetherto share in food, friendship, andJewish tradition.” — Samantha R.

“A place for me to discover myJewish identity and to connect withother Jewish college students… aplace where I know I can go to findlove and caring and whatever else Imay need at any given time. Chabadprovides the opportunity for everyJewish student here at BU to redis-cover themselves and to form newbonds that will likely last a lifetime.Whether it was going to Shabbat din-ner on Friday nights, or attending oneof Chabad’s many events and pro-grams, I always managed to learnnew things and meet new people.” —Rachel G.

“Our home” — Rodney N.

“An opportunity not to be passedup.” — Laurie H.

“The backbone of my four yearsin college.” — Maxwell V.

“Always there” — Rodney N.

“A place of peace and accept-ance.” — Nicole K.

“The ultimate Jewish resource atBinghamton.” — Maxwell V.

“Where I can have a meal and

not have to worry about what I needto do later.” — Evan L.

“Not a factory, but a family—it’snot just the place where we eat din-ner, it’s a home that has been openedup to us with wide-arms and helpedus discover ourselves and becomeproud of our Jewish identity.” —Ariela Z.

“An experience, enjoy the ride!”— Katie R.

“Magnificent.” — Evan L.

“Our comfort zone.” — Ariela Z.

“Always changing. Even theevents that happen each year areimproved upon to make them big-ger and better. The building ex-pands as the community grows.There will always be room for moreat Chabad, and there will always besomething new and fun to do.” —Jessi K.

“My adopted family.” — RachelS.

“Always open.” — Esther L.

“My source of knowledge.” —Gabriel E.

“Harmony.” — Alex T.

“A powerful and enthusiasticleader of the Jewish community atBinghamton University. I am proudto be a part of such an amazing com-munity and will never forget the ex-periences and knowledge I havegained. Just as Chabad has alwaysbeen there for me, I will always bethere for Chabad.” — Levi D.

“My matzah ball soup away fromhome.” — Katie R.

“A place for students to grow ex-ponentially. Chabad's nurturing en-vironment allows students to feelsafe to persue many different op-portunities. Chabad has allowed meto make lasting friendships, havemeaningful Shabbat dinners, giveback to the community, gain leader-ship experience on the E/G-board.In addition to everything men-tioned above, Chabad has providedme with the opportunity to furtherexplore what it means to be a Jew.”— Heather F.

.


Though she wasn’t born in the UnitedStates, one French professor has be-come a staple of the college, helping

students feel at home even while studyingabroad. Born in Bucharest, Dora Polachekmoved to Israel and when she came to theUnites States as a child, she didn’t speakEnglish. However, she quickly learned thelanguage.

In junior high school, French captured her heart and ledher to a career where she’s been recognized as one of thetop teachers in the state. Not satisfied with simply teachingstudents a language, she has developedan extra dimension to the France study-abroad program that has allowed Bing-hamton’s students to gain prestigiousinternship experience.

In 2004, Polachek was the recipient ofthe Chancellor’s Award For Excellence inTeaching, the highest teaching award inthe SUNY system. Four years later, she re-ceived the Lois B. DeFleur InternationalDevelopment Award, titled “DevelopingExtracurricular and Volunteer Opportu-nities for Study Abroad Programs.”

The French professor, who got herPh.D in French Literature from UNC-Chapel Hill, said she takes pride in help-ing students gain invaluable experience working orvolunteering in France.

“It’s extremely satisfying to help students to achieve theirgoals and to expand their horizons in the process,” she said.“It’s important to show that language is dynamic and en-riching. It is alive and can be used both inside and outside ofthe classroom.”

Katie Rein is a student who interned at Paris’s Memorial dela Shoah and described the experience as the experience ofa lifetime.

“Not only did I have the opportunity to work in a bi-lin-gual environment and immensely improve my French, I was

also able to work for something that is extremely importantto me - remembering the innocent lives lost during the Holo-caust,” she wrote in an e-mail.

Polachek has received numerous awards and has also pub-lished on several topics, including gender, power and humor aswell as the role of aristocratic women during the sixteenthcentury.

It was when she was giving a presentation about the role ofthe prophetess Deborah and the incident where Yael killed thegeneral Sisera, that she enlisted the aid of Rivky Slonim.

“Rivky was having a hard pregnancy and there was a snow-storm that day,” she recalls. “Rivky said ‘come over’ and wewere sitting on the floor because that was a more comfortableposition for her. She helped me find sources to support my

viewpoint, and that was the beginning ofour friendship. Over the years I have beentouched to see the many ways Rivky andthe Slonim family enrich the lives of ourstudents and our community; they are allso open, giving, and welcoming.”

She added that the university provides anumber of options for Jewish culture andlearning and that Chabad allows studentsan “incredible panoply of possibilities.”

Polachek, who is a favorite among stu-dents, said she has a passion for teaching.

“Being approachable is a crucial factor,”she said. “If a student knows they can cometo you and that you’ll be receptive, it goes along way.”

The Barnard graduate, who has been teaching at Bing-hamton since 1997 and whose husband teaches Economicsat the school, said she is proud that Binghamton has earneda stellar reputation both here and abroad.

“I love BU because of the wonderful environment it pro-vides for both faculty and students and for the way it en-courages us to interact in significant ways with students andeach other,” she said.

Alan Zeitlin '00 teaches English and Journalism at a Brooklyn publichigh school. As a freelance writer for the past 10 years, his articleshave appeared in The Jewish Week, The Journal News and otherpublications.

Dora Polachek THE FRENCH CONNECTIONBy Alan Zeitlin

FACULTYSPOTLIGHT


CHABAD IN ACTION

SHABBAT 1500

For a full gallery of pictures of these events and others please visit: www.JewishBU.com

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 17

The crowd in the brightly lit, over sized gym was huge but the atmosphere was warmand inviting and the food home cooked and delicious. Once again, Binghamton University

celebrated the largest Shabbat dinner to take place on any campus.

The first everflash mob freezeto take place at BU

publicizedShabbat 1500.

CHABAD IN ACTION


PURIMANIA 2011


Nobody does PURIMlike Chabad at Binghamton

(even when schoolis not in session!)

CHABAD IN ACTION

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 19

CHOLENT COOK OFF2011

GIRLS NIGHT OUTPOTTERY

PAINTINGSHABBAT ONTUESDAY

For the month of Adarit was creativity unleashed

with pottery painting.For the month of Iyar it wasShabbat on Tuesday, cookingand enjoying a Shabbat meal

with all the traditions and trimmings.

THE WINNERS!


CELEBRATING ANOTHERWONDERFUL SEMESTER

OF JLEARN STUDY

CHABAD IN ACTION

WHEN TOO MUCH IS TOO MUCH


Over five hundred students packedthe room to hear Daniel Tratt '02speak on the dangers of bingedrinking. The program was spon-

sored by the Chabad Center and theOffice of Greek Life at BU.

Shakespeare wrote, “Some are borngreat, some achieve greatness, andsome have greatness thrust upon ‘em.”

Amanda Winer, a junior at BinghamtonUniversity has managed to accomplishmuch, and understand Judaism in a waythat many cannot in a lifetime.

Amanda, enthralled with the origin of religion, is currentlycompleting a triple major in Judaic studies, history, and clas-sical civilization. Her Jewish journey started when she wasjust a young child and her passion and determination to learnmore about her people has never waned.

When only eleven, Amanda acted well beyond her years,making a decision that would ultimately govern the rest ofher life. At the time, her family had to move from Long Islandto Massachusetts. Knowing her deep dedication to Judaismher father allowed her to make the decision about the com-munity the family would join. With her father in tow, Amandawent on a search to find the Temple in which she would be-come a Bat Mitzvah.

Unlike most eleven year olds, pretty houses and landscapesdid not distract her; she was on a mission. In order to ensurethat she would have the opportunity to make a difference, shechose a small town, with a temple of five hundred families.The programming and opportunities that her new temple

provided were just a teasing taste, intensifying her cravings tobe an educated and knowledgeable Jew. “The best decisionsyou can make are those which you are educated and passion-ate about,” says Amanda.

Full of zeal, she entered Binghamton ready to make a dif-ference. Currently the President of the junior class, Amanda’sinvolvements span the gamut: she is a TA, a tour guide for theuniversity, on an intramural Volley Ball team and a publishedwriter. Especially close to her heart are the Jewish causes sheis involved with. She is an active member of both the Bing-hamton chapter as well as of the International team of Chal-lah for Hunger. She is also the co-founder with Sophie Bass‘12 of the Jewish Environmental Initiative on campus, Shore-shim. Amanda has surely left her mark.

Her involvement with Challah for Hunger—a studentgroup that bakes and then sells Challah, hoping to ease worldhunger with the funds they raise—was instigated by her ownlove for baking. The program is all about educating those whoare unaware about hunger stricken areas in the world. Bothchallah baking and repairing the world require time and per-sistence. “Baking is about putting your hands in somethingand carefully kneading,” it is about patiently waiting for it torise, “and placing chocolate chips as a pleasant surprise.”

The organization of the Jewish Environmental Initiativeon campus has its roots in Amanda’s experience at the Jew-ish Farm School. She attended begrudgingly, ready to with-stand any difficulty in order to demonstrate to her motherthat she could in fact “rough it.” Once there, Amanda fell inlove with the Jewish agriculture movement. Untangling thecomplex vines of Judaism and the environment was inspir-ing. Learning the intricacies of Kashrut, and other Jewishpractices, left Amanda once again craving more.

Amanda is particularly interested in the progression of Ju-daism since antiquity. Her studies have helped to enhance herappreciation of Jewish customs and rituals. Understanding thechallenges that the Jewish people have withstood throughoutthe generations has intensified her appreciation for Judaism.Although many take its continuity for granted, each ChabadFriday night dinner holds a special place in Amanda’s heart.She says, on the one hand the sheer magnitude of the gather-ing can be overwhelming but on the other hand you can reallyfeel the power and unity in the number._______________Alyx Rimberg ’13 is an English Rhetoric and Global Studies Major. Alyx did aninternship with The Jerusalem Post in the Summer of 2010. Currently shepens the “Word on the Brain” column in the BU Free Press.

STUDENTSPOTLIGHT

Amanda Winer ‘12OUR VERY OWN SUPERWOMANBy Alyx Rimberg '13

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 21

MAY 2011 IYAR 5771 | 23

ON MY MIND

It seems that a lot of young men myage don’t know what manhood is. Theyseem to think it’s the opposite of wom-anhood. Thus the ability to eat and drinkmore and lift heavier things makes themmen. In reality, the opposite of manhoodis childhood. It is a move from depend-ence to independence, from incompe-tence to ability.

Obviously, that means that a lot ofproper virtues of manhood and woman-hood should overlap. And yet, the prac-tice of being shomer negiah (refrainingfrom physical contact with a member ofthe opposite gender with exception ofrelatives) is more often than not dis-cussed as relating to women, despite themany manly virtues it encourages.

So, ladies, if you’ll excuse us, I’d like totalk to the young men about shomer ne-giah, and three of the manly virtues itfosters.

DisciplineDiscipline is the gateway to cultivat-

ing every other virtue in your life. Youcould have a flawless understanding ofwhat to do to forge yourself into a manof greatness, but without the disciplineto carry yourself down the path, you’re

just a dreamy child.But how is discipline cultivated? It’s

the same paradox as looking for a flash-light in the dark: how can you train your-self to be disciplined if you’re notdisciplined already? The answer is con-stant challenges. Each time you pushyourself beyond your comfort zone andsurvive, you become a stronger man forit. Plus, you get an extra boost of confi-dence for your next challenge.

Shomer negiah is the ultimate suchchallenge. Go a day without physicalcontact, a week, a month, two months…when you can finally manage, you’ll havethe discipline of a U.S. Marine.

Respect for Women While being shomer negia in a rela-

tionship is probably harder than diggingto China with a plastic spoon, it hastaught me a great deal about having re-spectful relationships with the fairer sex.

First of all, you’ll never really appreci-ate something until you’re faced with itsscarcity. How many of us see courtshipas a contest, a game amongst our boys tosee who can rack up the most points?When you step back, stop abusing theresource for a moment, you’ll remembersomething you knew when you were akid: women aren’t a commodity, they’repeople, and the million differences be-tween us and them are amazing.

Second of all, when you’re shomer ne-giah, all the touching is replaced withtalking. Hiding from issues is no longeran option. Boys, you have to talk aboutyour feelings. Admittedly, it’s annoying,but you’ll never be surer of your ownwants than when you have them con-stantly examined, and that will make youhonest.

PrincipleChildren are discovering who they

are; men have their principles. But no one can become a man of prin-

ciple if external forces control him. Howcan a man maintain the principle of hon-esty if his alcoholism forces him to lie tohis friends? And how can he maintain aprinciple of defending the defenseless ifhe’s controlled by the approval of others?Any external force that usurps a man’sself-mastery will prevent him from beingthe man he desires.

I was controlled by a drive to attractwomen. After years of unpopularity withthe fairer sex, I started doing whateverit took to appear attractive. I changed myappearance, my attitude, my entire be-havior. Even after selling myself into thatslavery, I couldn’t be satisfied; as long asthere were women who weren’t into me,I continued to struggle and sacrifice myidentity.

When I became shomer negiah, thingschanged. With no addictions, no distrac-tions, I was finally able to be myself. Ifsomeone didn’t find me appealing, it wassuddenly okay–I didn’t have to be anymore than I already was.

Once I removed the external forces, Icould see exactly who I was. And whenyou can do that, you can start working tobecome the man you want to be.

That said, gentlemen, I have a chal-lenge for you. You want to know if youhave what it takes, if you can make thecut between the boys and the men? Thengo without that physical contact …forone hour. Even if you have no intentionof ever becoming shomer negiah, try tolast one hour and I guarantee you’ll startto feel its effect. Too easy? Try it for awhole morning, or a whole day. Try it fortwo days, or three if you’re Superman.Take a taste boys, and see if you’re manenough._____________

Paul Brick is a Creative Writing major

I’ll be upfront with you—asI write this, I’m eatingcouscous out of the pot it

was made in. I acknowledgethe hypocrisy of my writingan article about what itmeans to be a man when Istill have plenty of growingup to do. Still, the concept ofmanhood has fascinated mefor years, and in my studyingthis topic, I’ve noticed a dis-turbing misconception.

Are You Man Enough?Paul Brick ‘12

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