A day i won't forget
May 2023 jewish Heritage Month!
Happy Jewish Heritage Month! To celebrate, I put together a playlist of all the incredible authors, of Jewish descent, I've had the honor of interviewing! Having the chance to meet & talk with so many amazing Jewish writers has been a dream come true & I am forever grateful! Click, Watch & Celebrate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncQwrnzF_YI&list=PL0K790j89gyHdTTmhODZBcDFh6y_1bqcs&pp=gAQB
Happy Jewish Heritage Month! To celebrate I'm spotlighting Canadian author and filmmaker Hart Snider.
I had the huge honor of interviewing the one and only film maker and middle-grade author of "The Basketball Game," Hart Snider! Hart is a director, writer, and story editor, who’s edited films and series for CBC, NFB, Paramount Television, Nat Geo, Global, History, Food Network, NBA Canada, and more, and yes, on top of all this, he’s also a published author! Not to mention Hart’s been Honored by the government of Alberta Canada and winner of most inspirational short film, as well as recognized for many of his incredible film and writing projects.
NOTE: More on author Hart Snider's book, THE BASKET BALL GAME. "Back in Alberta in the summer of 1983, representatives of a small town named Eckville met with a nearby Jewish community in Edmonton, after the antisemitic conspiracy theory-fuelled lessons of the town's social studies teacher and mayor, Jim Keegstra, became national news. They were invited to a get together at a Jewish summer camp, away from the press and onlookers, so that Keegstra's former students, who'd been taught so much hatred, could have a picnic, play sports, and meet Jewish kids for the first time. Filmmaker/Author Hart Snider was a scared nine year old that summer, who'd never even been away at camp before, and ended up playing in a basketball game he's never forgotten." You can read about Hart's experience in his graphic Novel THE BASKETBALL GAME, and watch our talk in this video to learn more.
Follow Hart Snider's journey here: http://www.cutandpaste.ca/
In honor of pride month
I'm Spotlighting Award-Winning Author, Jake Maia Arlow This Month for Pride Month! An amazing Jewish writer & Diverse MG & YA Storyteller!
In honor of Pride Month, I sat down virtually with the FABULOUS author Jake Maia Arlow! Jake is an award-winning middle-grade and young adult author, whose stories are relatable and seriously relevant works of writing art! I was so excited to have the chance to talk with Jake about their newest middle-grade realistic fiction, diverse masterpiece, THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TOILET. This book includes themes of queerness, Judaism, family drama, and even touches on the subject of Crohn’s disease, Jake packs this epic & heartwarming middle school adventure with everything needed to make THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TIOLET your next favorite MGLIT read! But don’t take my word for it, watch our epic talk and find out more (and read Jake's book)! Want to learn more! Check out Jake Maia Arlow's website at: https://www.jakewhosagirl.com/
My Book Thoughts on THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TOILET by Author Jake Maia Arlow
I'm Spot Lighting Jake Maia Arlow This Month for Pride Month! A Jewish Author & Jewish Themed Story Highlight!
In a world where books tend to just tackle one or two problems, author Jake Maia Arlow’s newest book, THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TOILET, takes readers on a middle-school challenge filled journey, true to the lives of many tweens and teens today! With themes of queerness, religion, family, friendship, and the tummy ache of the century, Jake takes us on a coming-of-age reading adventure filled with everything needed to make this your new favorite read! I’m so glad I was able to review this fantastic book! THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TOILET is a very special 10/10 read!
"THE BOOK OF ELSIE," BY CANADIAN AUTHOR JOANNE LEVEY
THE BOOK OF ELSIE
In honor of June being pride month, I'm spotlighting author Joanne Levey's Middle Grade story, THE BOOK OF ELSIE. Click the link or photo and listen to my book review. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JMbNqPX2dMrTCJtEMQgDq?si=3bcbb4662f104057
Bar Mitzvah notes
Hi!
It's been a while. I thought that since my Bar Mitzvah is less than a week away (AHH so close!!), it's time to share an update. So much preparation went on behind the scenes for my B'Nai Mitzvah, but the finish line is up ahead.
This has been an incredible journey for me. I've connected with my
Jewish heritage in deeper ways than I could've ever imagined. But this was not just due to my Bar Mitzvah studies, but the tragedies throughout my time of practicing, certainly brought emotions that I hadn't really felt before. I told myself that becoming a Bar Mitzvah wasn't an option anymore, I knew I had to follow through.
I think I've become a better and more thoughtful person throughout my Bar Mitzvah tutoring. One of the most important parts of your Bar Mitzvah is your D'Var Torah, your speech which is meant to connect your Torah portion to the world around you today. Whilst writing my speech, a profound feeling swept over me. It was at that moment I truly realize I was becoming a man.
Thank you to everyone who's supported me not just these past few months, but my whole life. My mom and dad, you have always been there for me, I love you more than anything in the world. To those at my synagogue who have helped me reach for the stars with my Bar Mitzvah, I want to thank you as well, your support means so much. And finally, thank YOU for following along, watching my interviews and growing with me. E Train Talks would not be the same without each and every one of you!
I'm E Train and in 5 days, I am becoming a B'Nai Mitzvah. But most importantly, I will become a full-fledged adult member of the Jewish people and I am so proud!
Bar Mitzvah Update 1/25/24
I'm so proud to share that my Bar Mitzvah was incredible! I was surrounded by my family, friends, and my Jewish community. The entire synagogue was filled with so much love and support. I know I will never forget the way I felt reciting the traditional prayers and chanting my Torah portion in the language of my ancestors.
Torah Study
Torah Portion:
I received my Torah Portion and Haftarah! After anxiously waiting for weeks, I was given the Torah Portion I'll be reading from: Shemot Verses 3:1-4:17, and my Haftarah, Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23.
Every "candidate" or B'Nai Mitzvah is selected special verses to chant and speak about based off their birthdate. Since my Jewish birthday is January 3rd, I will be chanting one of the most important haftarot and parashah. I'll be discussing Moses being called upon by God at the Burning Bush, and how the Israelites followed their ancestors hundreds of years after the great Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, and Moses passed.
The big day is approaching and I'm incredibly nervous, excited, and anxious. Responsibility, or Achrayut will be a word I'll be hearing quite a bit as I become a Jewish adult. Soon, I'll be beginning by Bar Mitzvah training, wear my Tallit for the first time, and before I know it, I'll be on the bimah in front of the whole congregation. My friends, family, and regulars at my synagogue. I'm so excited for the journey ahead, and I hope you'll join me along the bumpy, joyful, and meaningful ride!
Meeting with Rabbi Herman:
My parents and I met with Rabbi Herman today, and talked about what a Bar Mitzvah means to me, as well as everything I'm hoping to accomplish for my Bar Mitzvah project. We also spoke about my hobbies and our mutual interests in quiz bowl and sports! I'm really enjoying getting to know our Rabbi and I'm looking forward to studying Torah with him & preparing for my important & special day! Stay tuned!
Rabbi Herman & Me!
Thank you to those who helped me prepare for this special da
My journey to Jewish adulthood has included some amazing people. From Cantor Ben, to my Sunday School Teacher to my incredible Bar Mitzvah Teacher/Tutor Deborah! I'm on such a wonderful path of learning!
Look out Bimah, because here I come!