In modern political discourse in America and much of the West, there is an unspoken assumption that Zionism and leftism are inherently at cross-purposes—that to be left-wing means to be anti-Zionist and hostile to Israel. However, this was not always…
Inside Jewish India
Each Jewish community around the world is unique, so it is imperative to preserve and maintain their unique aspects. One particular community that many people do not know exists is the Indian Jewish community of the Bene Israel. Some historians…
Call me “Matan”
How a Chinese-American student became the face of Hebrew fluency at UCLA. I had been working on my Hebrew homework one day at Hillel when I heard someone speaking fluent Hebrew beside me. I turned my head and saw a…
Opening eyes: anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitism. Yes, folks, today I will be broaching the subject that you have likely pondered, discussed, and debated so much that it seems like reading this article will finally do your brain in like a mallet to a cantaloupe. “Why,…
Zusha comes home
In Hassidic tradition, they tell the story of Rebbe Zusha of Hanipol, a true tzaddik (righteous man), crying on his deathbed. His students and the community surrounded and offered consolation. One student said, “Rebbe Zusha, why do you cry? You…
Fierce Jewish women
Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are two popular holidays celebrating women in the lens of love and maternity. As lovers, wives and mothers, women are (most often) characterized as warm, nurturing, soft and delicate. And while there is value, beauty…
The first-ever Mr. Hillel competition
12 nice Jewish boys vying for our hearts in an effort to raise money for admirable causes? Don’t mind if we do. Taking place this past Tuesday night at the Kerckhoff Grand Salon, the first-ever Mr. Hillel Competition was a…
Ha’Am chic
Every day is a fashion show, and Bruinwalk is our runway. The outfit a student chooses to wear to school can reveal a lot about his or her character— unless it’s finals week, during which there is a mutual understanding…
Anti-Semitism and today’s desensitization
A few strokes of graphite, easily erased. Technically speaking, that’s all it was. My initial reaction upon finding a swastika drawn on my desk, where my Hebrew 1B class and other sections of Hebrew are held, was somewhat one of…
“If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?”
My experience at the Bayit began after I was asked this question: “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?” This question has been in the “Bayit Interview Question Bank” for a few years,…