What an amazing personal story of resilience and self discovery in the face of oppression. What you reported about Barnard is shocking. I grew up in NYC and its burbs - Barnard had the reputation of having a large Jewish student community. How did this transformation occur and were Jewish students anti-Israel?
Thank you for sharing your journey. It was very moving. Though not Jewish myself, I have found Jewish people in general to be kind, generous, thoughtful, sensitive and intelligent. My best friend in high school, that would be over fifty years ago! was Jewish. In fact I happen to be having lunch with her tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing this. Its just horrible what has happened to the American campus and you have an enormous amount of courage to have resisted it. You are a true kiddush hashem and now that you are Jewish I hope you know what that means.
This was such an amazing story, both emotionally and also as a story about what it’s like to be at a campus like that and how long that’s been going on - amazing! I’m glad that you were able to transform it into something so loving and constructive. I welcome you into the fold of Judaism, for sure! I hope your journey in Judaism brings your much joy and wisdom, community and family…
What an inspirational story. I find many converted Jews are way more invested in Judaism than those born into the religion. You made a conscious choice to become a Jew (I didn’t). Welcome to the tribe!❤️🇮🇱
I went to grad school at a Jesuit institution—an interesting choice for a Jew. My daughter decided to go to school there. On the intro day, I dragged her into the religious affairs office to inquire about Jewish outreach. I already knew there were 4 synagogues within a few blocks of the school. The lady behind the desk, apparently looking at my summer tan, started to tell us about the mosque (which was nonexistent in my day); then had to apologize and admitted she knew nothing at all about the local synagogues. I reached out to several of them, but got a reply from only one.
Congratulations on your becoming one of team of השם, and send my thanks to all those who extended their friendship and hospitality to you in NY.
I have to agree. Most temples need to up their social media game. They want to attract younger people but fail to be responsive on the platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snap, etc. There are many volunteer opportunities I see advertised at local temples (and churches) that don't give time or dates. Instead, they post on Facebook: "call us!".... but when I call, nobody's answering the phone because temples churches don't have staff throughout the week. So unanswered voicemail after unanswered voicemail... and that's when I muster the energy to pick the phone up and actually call.
And people wonder why youth aren't going to religious services anymore...
That said, "religious outreach" along with "social justice outreach" is something I'm not sure should be handled by the university. Students are old enough to build their own religious clubs, make affinity groups through social media, and if they so want.... do their own research on religious temples, mosques and churches nearby if they'd like to attend. Delegating everything to the school adminstration is partly how we've gotten to the situationwhere some schools have "adminstrators" for every 2-5 students, but only one tenured professor for every 50-100 students. It's a backwards use of resources, in my opinion.
Thank you for sharing your lived experience. I am glad that people reached out to you and defended you and became your friends. Most chilling is your description of how just wanting to be fully informed before signing a document became a license to falsely accuse you of being something you were not. Be Blessed and know that there are a lot of true believers in the Jew Jesus Christ who believe in peace and truth as well and would call you friend.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. It is so appropriate that you officially became Jewish right before Shavuot, as you were clearly at Sinai yourself.
And I have to say, its great to know that the terrorist wannabes have not only failed, but failed so epically.
"Oft evil will shall evil mar." So it is with these vile Hamasniks; they took someone who didn't really care about the issue and made her a staunch friend of Israel.
This is a truly touching story. As a Jew I wish you in the words of the rabbis that you go from strength to strength.
You are a lady of courage. Inspiring.
What an amazing personal story of resilience and self discovery in the face of oppression. What you reported about Barnard is shocking. I grew up in NYC and its burbs - Barnard had the reputation of having a large Jewish student community. How did this transformation occur and were Jewish students anti-Israel?
Thank you for sharing your journey. It was very moving. Though not Jewish myself, I have found Jewish people in general to be kind, generous, thoughtful, sensitive and intelligent. My best friend in high school, that would be over fifty years ago! was Jewish. In fact I happen to be having lunch with her tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing this. Its just horrible what has happened to the American campus and you have an enormous amount of courage to have resisted it. You are a true kiddush hashem and now that you are Jewish I hope you know what that means.
I only hope I can live up to that appellation 💙
This was such an amazing story, both emotionally and also as a story about what it’s like to be at a campus like that and how long that’s been going on - amazing! I’m glad that you were able to transform it into something so loving and constructive. I welcome you into the fold of Judaism, for sure! I hope your journey in Judaism brings your much joy and wisdom, community and family…
Thank you for reading Debra, and thank you for your kind words 💙
Thank you for sharing your journey, Toni! It's nice knowing a little more about you.
Thanks Kurt, looking forward to your essay drop on Friday!
It was wonderful to read about your journey Toni. Toda Raba. Shalom
What an inspirational story. I find many converted Jews are way more invested in Judaism than those born into the religion. You made a conscious choice to become a Jew (I didn’t). Welcome to the tribe!❤️🇮🇱
Thank you Cary :) I appreciate your kind words, though I don't like being compared to people who were born in the religion. We all start somewhere.
You are a woman of valor.
Fun fact: that's where the name Valerie comes from! #etymology
I went to grad school at a Jesuit institution—an interesting choice for a Jew. My daughter decided to go to school there. On the intro day, I dragged her into the religious affairs office to inquire about Jewish outreach. I already knew there were 4 synagogues within a few blocks of the school. The lady behind the desk, apparently looking at my summer tan, started to tell us about the mosque (which was nonexistent in my day); then had to apologize and admitted she knew nothing at all about the local synagogues. I reached out to several of them, but got a reply from only one.
Congratulations on your becoming one of team of השם, and send my thanks to all those who extended their friendship and hospitality to you in NY.
I have to agree. Most temples need to up their social media game. They want to attract younger people but fail to be responsive on the platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snap, etc. There are many volunteer opportunities I see advertised at local temples (and churches) that don't give time or dates. Instead, they post on Facebook: "call us!".... but when I call, nobody's answering the phone because temples churches don't have staff throughout the week. So unanswered voicemail after unanswered voicemail... and that's when I muster the energy to pick the phone up and actually call.
And people wonder why youth aren't going to religious services anymore...
That said, "religious outreach" along with "social justice outreach" is something I'm not sure should be handled by the university. Students are old enough to build their own religious clubs, make affinity groups through social media, and if they so want.... do their own research on religious temples, mosques and churches nearby if they'd like to attend. Delegating everything to the school adminstration is partly how we've gotten to the situationwhere some schools have "adminstrators" for every 2-5 students, but only one tenured professor for every 50-100 students. It's a backwards use of resources, in my opinion.
Mazel Tov on your journey. The purge of Jewish life on Morningside Heights is real and intentional. Such a shame.
Really, do you live nearby? I'd love to hear more from you if so. I loved Morningside Heights and still do.
Thank you for sharing your lived experience. I am glad that people reached out to you and defended you and became your friends. Most chilling is your description of how just wanting to be fully informed before signing a document became a license to falsely accuse you of being something you were not. Be Blessed and know that there are a lot of true believers in the Jew Jesus Christ who believe in peace and truth as well and would call you friend.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. It is so appropriate that you officially became Jewish right before Shavuot, as you were clearly at Sinai yourself.
And I have to say, its great to know that the terrorist wannabes have not only failed, but failed so epically.
"Oft evil will shall evil mar." So it is with these vile Hamasniks; they took someone who didn't really care about the issue and made her a staunch friend of Israel.
But Toni, maybe if you write more articles or even a book that would help!!!
Lovely essay. One wonders if you are still with Benjamin, you make a nice couple. Blessings!
;)