Portfolio

Projects & Resources

img_2788Millennials: Building The Future Of Reform Judaism
In December 2017, I officially became a published author when my article was published in A Life of Meaning: Embracing Reform Judaism’s Sacred Path by the CCAR Press. Writing alongside many powerful leaders of the Reform Movement (all of whom are either rabbis, cantors, or have a PhD), I explored the ways that Jewish millennials are already impacting the Reform Jewish community and how communities throughout North America can engage them.
Get your copy of the entire book now!

Image result for shabbat sharapsShabbat Sha’Raps
What if Torah study didn’t have to be boring? What if learning Torah included awesome rhymes, Hamilton references, and rap battles? Started by staff members at the URJ Kutz Camp (myself & Matt Wall), Shabbat Sha’Raps is the perfect combination of hip-hop and Torah and is the best way to start off your Shabbat mornings. No matter which portion, you’ll find an awesome rap to go with it!
Check out all of our raps – I hope you enjoy!

Jews On The Move: Jewish Migration & Connection To Whiteness
During my senior year at the University of Kansas, my thesis for my degree in Jewish Studies explored Jewish racial identity during the mid-twentieth century and the impact on Jewish migration patterns. I hope you find it interesting, and reach out if you have any questions or want to talk about it more.

#BlackLivesMatter Hagaddah
I was honored to work with a group of passionate and dynamic activists to connect the values and lessons of the Exodus story to our work supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Our hope is this: that all members of the Jewish community hear the struggle of Black people in the United States, learn from and wrestle with these stories and facts, and commit themselves to creating a more just future for each and every one of us.

Articles & Interviews

Before speaking at a gathering of Reform synagogues in the Albany, New York area, I wrote Engaging Millennials Is A Priority, an op-ed about the importance of engaging Jewish millennials in Jewish life. It was originally published in the Albany Times-Union on March 16, 2018.

I was featured in Millennial ‘Gatherings’ Bridge Cultural Gaps, an article showing some of the innovative ways that Jewish millennials are impacting the Jewish community. It was originally published in the New York Jewish Week on July 6, 2017.

With so many opportunities in the world, why would a 23-year old still be working at summer camp? Why Summer Camp Is A Real Job is my reflection on the power of summer camp to change the lives of participants each and every summer. It was originally posted on the URJ Kutz Camp Blog on July 4, 2017.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs interviewed me to talk about Parashat Yirto for On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah, a podcast from the Union for Reform Judaism that explores each week’s Torah portion. We discussed the wisdom of Yitro, Moses’s father-in-law, and how we can value the contributions of the non-Jewish members of our Jewish community.

Getting the Full Story On Birthright is my exploration in on my newest roles in the Jewish community – Birthright Israel staff member. It was originally published in the New York Jewish Week on February 24, 2017.

Adventure, Dream, & Discover the Holy was delivered during Shabbat morning services at Temple Beth-El in Charlotte, North Carolina during the installation of Rabbi Asher Knight on December 8, 2016. An adapted version is posted on ReformJudaism.org.

A Relationship in the Making was originally posted on the ARZA Blog on December 27, 2016 as part of the Taking Back the Z, a series of blogs demonstrating the inspiration and power of Reform Zionism.

I am incredibly honored to be part of the 2016 cohort of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36”, a group of passionate Jewish educators, activists, innovators, and community builders dedicated to make the Jewish community and world a better place.

In honor of the life and memory of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, I delivered my Snapshots of Freedom sermon on January 15, 2016 at Congregation Shir Tikvah in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ahead of that weekend, I talked with the Twin City JewFolk about social justice, inclusion, and diversity in the Jewish community.

I was featured in Black Lives in the Jewish Community: We Matter, Too, a powerful examination of Black Jews of Color and our experiences in the Jewish community, and especially in fighting racism through education and activism. It was originally published in Haaretz on December 30, 2015.

New Conversations for 2016is the conclusion to my JMN Blog Series, where I reflect upon the inspiring and challenging moments of 2015 and provide some questions to make 2016 a more just and whole year for all people. It was published on December 10, 2015 by the Jewish Multiracial Network (JMN).

Owning My Identities was originally published on October 27, 2015 as part of Be’chol Lashon’s Jewish& series on MyJewishLearning.com.

Black Lives Matter (Including the Jewish Ones)is my exploration of the Black Lives Matter movement and the importance of all Jewish denominations, organizations, and communities supporting a movement that is standing up for members of the Jewish faith. It was published on August 19, 2015 by the Jewish Multiracial Network (JMN).

My Experience Walking Through Fergusonis my reflection after visiting Ferguson, Missouri one year after Darren Wilson killed Michael Brown. It was written on the night of August 6, 2015 and published on ReformJudaism.org.

Where Should the Money Go?is my exploration of my financial commitments over the past year and where I ask the question: would my money be better spent in Black organizations than Jewish organizations? It was published on June 23, 2015 by the Jewish Multiracial Network (JMN).

Just Because I’m Jewish Doesn’t Mean I’m Not Black is my reflection of growing up as a Jew of Color in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was originally posted on ReformJudaism.org on June 22, 2015.

In The Image of Godis my discussion on the importance seeing each and every person “in the image of God” and how this value can positively impact our communities. It was published on March 22, 2015 by the Jewish Multiracial Network (JMN).

What’s Your Story?is my personal introductory blog for the Jewish Multiracial Network sharing some the most pivotal Jewish experiences in my life. It was published on February 11, 2015 by the Jewish Multiracial Network (JMN).

What’s Behind Israel’s Veil is my reflection after my third experience in Israel, where I spent 10 days exploring political and social issues throughout the Jewish state. It was originally published for New Voices on February 10, 2015.

I was part of a group of young adults featured in an article in the Daily Oklahoman on August 17, 2013 focused on interfaith dialogue and collaboration: Is Oklahoma City ready to…Go Beyond Coexistence? These young people say YES.  

URJ & NFTY Presidents’ Joint D’var Torah – Presenting to more than 1,000 teens, staff, and youth professionals at NFTY Convention 2013 in Los Angeles, CA, URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs and NFTY President Evan Traylor shared inspiring words of Torah.

Seize Your Moment in Judaism is my commentary on Parasha Lech L’cha, written for the Union for Reform Judaism’s Ten Minutes of Torah on October 27, 2012.

A D’var Torah for NFTY’s Summer Home was my first speech as NFTY President and discusses the importance of relationships and building community. It was originally presented at the URJ Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY on June 25, 2012 and published on the NFTY Blog.