Initial Meeting of Hillel International’s Circles of Educational Excellence [Throwback Thursday]
In December, immediately prior to Hillel International’s General Assembly, I took part in the first meetings of the first cohort of Hillel International’s Circles of Educational Excellence. Beginning on Sunday night with some introductory activities, the group got going in earnest on Monday morning, continuing on through mid-afternoon. Consisting ofContinue Reading
Visiting Chapman, CSULB, & UCI Students During Passover
Last week during Passover, I visited a few different campuses to hang with students during lunchtime to enjoy some matzah with them. On Monday, I went to California State University, Long Beach to join up with Beach Hillel for their matzah gathering; on Tuesday, I went to Chapman University to joinContinue Reading
A Visit to the Moishe House of Orange County
Last night, I went to the Moishe House of Orange County to lead a discussion on “Is there More to Being Jewish than Just Holidays?” Although I have spoken at Moishe House of Orange County multiple times, this was my second time speaking at their new location (their third suchContinue Reading
Seder-Aid Event Prepares Young Adults for Passover Seder
Last week, I led a conversation for young adults to go over the Passover Seder(s) in order to mentally prepare for it. Taking place in Long Beach on the Sunday prior to the holiday, I led a relaxed conversation (over beer – something we would not be enjoying during theContinue Reading
“Beer, Bible & Brewery” Return Visit to The Bruery Features a Tour
Last night, as part of the monthly “Bible, Beer, and Brew” series, we visited The Bruery in Placentia. Having visited in the fall, this time, we had the opportunity to talk with The Bruery’s chief financial officer, Carl Katz, who led us on a tour of The Bruery. Katz led us onContinue Reading
Torah on Tap Discussion on Kosher Food with Beach Hillel
By student request, I led a discussion on kosher food for Beach Hillel on Thursday. Taking place at The Nugget on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, I led a discussion on the fundamentals of kosher food as found in the Torah (a/k/a the Five Books of Moses),Continue Reading
“Tasting the Forbidden Fruit” Allows Young Adults to Engage with Texts and Food
What was the fruit that Adam and Eve consumed in the Garden of Eden that got them kicked out? The other night, I led a text-based discussion with young adults in Long Beach on this topic. Beginning with the primary texts in the Book of Genesis, we then explored whatContinue Reading
“Ryes & Relationships” Was Greatly Enjoyable [Texts & Tasting]
The other night, I put on another event in the “Texts & Tastings” series featuring rye whiskey. In addition to a focus on the spirit, “Rye & Relationships”, also showcased various gems of wisdom from our Talmudic sages regarding relationships. As I had written prior to the event, I wasContinue Reading
Some New Changes for Tonight’s “Texts & Tasting” Event
Tonight, I will be hosting a rye whiskey-tasting and discussion of Jewish texts in Long Beach. While I have, over the past two years conducted ten such events, in a bimonthly fashion, tonight’s event will involve some new aspects. Moreover, inasmuch as my series focuses on three primary objectives –Continue Reading
Beer, Bible, & Brewery” Series Restarts
Last night, I led a discussion on romance in the book of Genesis for young adults at an Orange County brewery. Restarting the monthly “Beer, Bible, and Brewery” series for young adults in their 20s-30s, last night’s event took place at the one-year old Bottle Logic Brewing in Anaheim. IContinue Reading