Briana Begelfer
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Briana is a fourth-year at UCLA pursuing a degree in Human Biology and Society. Her freshman year at UCLA, Briana became very involved with many of the Jewish organizations on campus including JAM, Chabad, and Hillel. Fascinated by everything she was learning about her Jewish roots, she took time off from school to study in Neve Yerushalayim, a girl’s seminary for Jewish studies in Jerusalem. Now back at school, she is excited to share her passion for Judaism by getting involved in Ha’am, the Jewish voice on campus. Although she is a south campus major, her heart belongs in the north and joining Ha’Am is a great way to channel her creative energies. In her free time, Briana loves painting, playing piano, and enjoying the great outdoors.

New beginnings and bittersweet goodbyes: the Rupps, JAM at UCLA’s power couple, are moving to San Diego

There are certain moments in our lives that are particularly suited to self-reflection. As graduation is steadily approaching, I’ve found myself more enveloped in these moments, thinking about how I’ve changed — and noticing the changes in others. Thinking about…

A guide to Orthodox Jewish weddings

“You got another wedding invitation!” my brother yelled from the kitchen. I couldn’t believe it. It was the fifth one this year! All of a sudden I had this crazy feeling of déjà vu, and soon I realized…the last time…

Kosher newspapers? Sticks and stones and words

Unlike the spoken word, which is formidable in its own right, the written word is powerfully enduring and persistent. In general, people’s perception is that the written word — having been meticulously chosen — is usually well thought-out and therefore…

Kosher Korner: Cauliflower Banana Bread

It used to bug me that my best friend was a bit of a health nut. I was horrified one Shabbat when she leaned over to me and said, “Hey, you know that banana bread you love so much…the main…

Red strings and Evil Eyes: authentic fad or successful farce?

Those familiar with it as a sartorial accessory might note that the red string has undeniably been a force of incredible success — for those selling the strings at the astounding price of $25 apiece. The real question, however, is…

Thanksgiving Every Day

We’ve all heard an awesome joke or idea we couldn’t wait to tell over, but how often are we jumping at the opportunity to give credit where it is due? Often times, it’s much more tempting to sidestep the reference…

Cheshvan: the Torah’s take on facing those dreaded Mondays

Talk about a disappointing ending. After a month of nonstop celebrating with little respite between the High Holidays and Sukkot, we have recently waved goodbye to the Hebrew month of Tishrei and jumped into Cheshvan, a month when we celebrate…absolutely…

Shomer Negiah: a touchy subject

When word got out, I braced myself for some interesting reactions (and lots of questions). They ranged from “Wait, are you serious?” to “That’s weird, but cool I guess” to one of my personal favorites from a guy pal, “Ah,…

Jewish Jokes, Quotes, and Riddles of the Day!

Everyone deserves a break from finals! Enjoy the following jokes, quotes, and riddles of the day!

The Purpose of Freedom: The Mitzvah of Counting the Omer

Just last week, we waved goodbye to Passover, the holiday of Jewish freedom and redemption. But after all this talk of freedom, I feel like I’m still eating matzah. And I’m not just talking about leftover matzah brei. The slave…