As Parashat Acharei Mot begins, Aaron is still dealing with the fallout of the tragic death of two of his sons. The Midrash in Avot D’rabbi Nathan (1:14) states that Moshe had already comforted Aaron in the immediate aftermath of…
USAC Elections: Candidate Statements on Jewish Community and Anti-Semitism
Ha’Am reached out to USAC candidates and asked them, if elected, how they would represent the Jewish community at the student government council table. Introductions and voting solicitations have been redacted. Candidate statements have not been otherwise edited. Contested offices:…
Taste of Torah: Shabbat Hagadol — Community and Nationhood
Shabbat HaGadol (the Great Sabbath) is the name given to the Shabbat immediately preceding Passover. It is very fitting that Passover, the ultimate holiday of preparation, should have its own day honoring the very fact that Passover requires preparation. In his…
Your Right To Strike Ends Where My Right to an Education Begins
The University of California System has a long and proud history of union strikes which are often utilized to stand up for every worker’s right to fair pay, appropriate benefits and equal treatment. Unpopular Opinion: unions have begun to abuse…
That’s a Wrap: A Message From the Editor in Chief, Winter 2019
How often do you leave Westwood? When you’re a Jewish student at UCLA, it’s hard to find the time, between classes, studies, campus organizations, and social life to even think about the possibility of taking a day off for a…
Ha’Am Newsmagazine for Winter 2019 Print Released
https://issuu.com/jacobelijahgoldberg/docs/final_ha_am_winter_document An incredible thank you is due to our incredible designers Ezra Einhorn and Margalit Zimand for all their hard work and dedication to this beautiful publication.
Eight Great Purim Costume Ideas
The Jewish holiday Purim begins the evening of Wednesday, March 20th and ends the evening of Thursday, March 21st. Purim celebrates the Jewish people being saved from Haman’s evil plot to kill all of the Jewish people. Purim is known…
They tried to kill us. We survived. Let’s eat.
Many of our holidays deal with this same progression of events. Jews were confronted with an existential threat, we surmounted it, and now we indulge in symbolically relevant dishes. But what does this continued retelling and celebration of our near-brushes…
Guide to Purim
You’ve heard of Purim, right? It’s a day we dress up, feast, and listen to stories. Sound familiar? For some, Purim may just be another day to dress up, eat and socialize. But Purim isn’t just about the triangle-shaped cookies…
D’var Theory: Evolution of the Mask, Physical to Social
Few things bring more delight to me than festivities in the Jewish tradition. Among them, Purim nestles itself comfortably as the chief party animal, and I think it achieves this with the wonderful inclusion of costumes. Dressing up as your…