Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps

This week, Aaron Herman had the opportunity to attend Avodah’s Partners In Justice event, and had an opportunity to speak with a number of people involved in the program.

We had the opportunity to speak with current and former AVODAH fellows about their experience and why they decided to participate in this important inititive. AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps strengthens the Jewish community’s fight against the causes and effects of poverty in the United States. We do this by engaging participants in service and community building that inspire them to become lifelong leaders for social change whose work for justice is rooted in and nourished by Jewish values. Participants in our service Corps program live out and deepen their commitments to social change and Jewish life through a year of full-time work at anti-poverty organizations in Chicago, New Orleans, New York, and Washington, DC. This work partners Corps members with service providers and residents in low income communities and equips our Corps members and alumni to emerge as lifelong agents for social change, whose work for justice is rooted in and nourished by Jewish values. After participants complete this intensive year-long program, Pursue: Action for a Just World provides a broad platform for long-term leadership in social change and Jewish life.

Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps

Tech Crunch Disrupt New York Israeli Innovation

This week, Aaron Herman had the opportunity to talk to attend Tech Crunch Disrupt New York, and speak with a number of Israeli tech start-ups who have new and revolutionary tech products.

Israel is at the forefront of disruptive technology. Since the beginning of the technology revolution Israeli companies have set the bar when it comes to innovation. We attended Techcrunch Disrupt in NYC and spoke with Israeli’s that are transforming the whey we connect, share and do business.

Tech Crunch Disrupt New York Israeli Innovation

Old Jews Telling Jokes... On Broadway

This week, Aaron Herman had the opportunity to talk to Sam Hoffman, the Producer and Creator of Old Jews Telling Jokes.

Old Jews Telling Jokes was born in an empty storefront in Highland Park, New Jersey in the summer of 2008. Eric Spiegelman and Tim Williams of Jetpack Media had asked Sam if I had any ideas for an internet show and it was suggested: “how about we shoot my father and his friends telling jokes?” Surprisingly, they agreed. The rules would be simple. Every joke teller had to be at least sixty years old and “Jewish.” The age thing I would be strict about, the Jewish thing would be in spirit. If nothing else, we would make portraits of people who had lived at least six decades and that would be something to see.

And from there… History

Old Jews Telling Jokes... On Broadway

Dolphin Boy

This week, Aaron Herman had the opportunity to interview Yonatan Nir, the co-writer and co-director of the new film Dolphin Boy.

Seventeen year old Morad Azba’s innocent text message to a female classmate in an Arab village in the North of Israel triggers a brutal beating at the hands of the girl’s brother and his friends. Unable to speak, recognize his family, or make eye contact, Morad’s post trauma symptoms are so severe that his Israeli doctor, world renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Ilan Kutz, recommends further treatment in an institution. But Morad’s father Asad cannot bring himself to limit Morad’s freedom and asks Dr. Kutz if there’s another option. There is one alternative, albeit unconventional—Dolphin therapy in Eilat’s Dolphin Reef — contact with the Dolphins might help restore Morad’s broken life. Morad’s father sells and mortgages everything he can, including his beautiful land in Northern Israel, and accompanies his son on this riveting journey. Filmed over the course of Morad’s four year therapy, the award winning DOLPHIN BOY is a profound confirmation of the healing power of nature, patience and unconditional love—and a most under-reported and inspiring story about the relationship between Israel’s Arabs and Israel’s Jews. You can learn more at www.dolphinboyfilm.com.

Dolphin Boy

Dor Chadash Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration at BB Kings In NYC

This week, Aaron Herman had the opportunity to celebrate Yon Ha’Atzmaut with Dor Chadash at BB Kings in New York Ciity.

Over 1,000 New Yorkers came out to BB Kings to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) hosted by Dor Chadash. We spoke with attendees and asked them what Yom Ha’atzmaut meant to them .Dor Chadash is a dynamic community, empowering a strong network of Israeli and American Jews to:

1.Create meaningful connections with Israel through cutting edge programs and engaging events focused on Israeli culture, heritage and current events.

2.Develop social bonds with members who are equally passionate about Israel.

3.Become actively involved in the local, national and global Jewish community.

Since October 2003, Dor Chadash has successfully carried out more than 186 programs attended by more than 30,000 Israeli and American Jews in the New York area. They have discovered an incredible need among Jews in New York to connect with Israel in an authentic way. From providing educational events with prominent Israeli speakers, to showcasing the best of Israeli cultural offerings, to dancing to Israeli pop music on Jewish holidays, Dor Chadash has something for everyone who is passionate about Israel. Central to our mission is that we use the energy and passion of volunteers to carry out extremely innovative Israel-related programs that appeal to a diverse and sophisticated group of Israeli and American Jews. You can learn more about
Dor Chadash.

Dor Chadash Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration at BB Kings In NYC