1. Why did you decide to start your organization?
I was raised with very negative ideas about Orthodox Jews despite having had almost no personal contact with them. The stereotypes and misconceptions I grew up with made me much less willing to explore Orthodox Judaism as a possible path in life. I realized a few years ago that the attitude I was raised with is prevelent among nearly all non-Orthodox Jews and that they are similarly impeded them from exploring Orthodoxy. It occurred to me that if someone would correct these myths and misconceptions though, more Jews would be willing to learn about Orthodox Judaism. With technology (YouTube videos and social media) being as it is today, anyone can put a message out there and if it's compelling enough it will spread.
2. What has been your favorite experience as a Jewish educator?
I feel that traditional Judaism is one of the best kept secrets in the world. My passion is getting people to give it a chance because most Jews have their mind made up about Judaism despite actually knowing very little about it. So when someone starts to explore Judaism more deeply - whether it's a first Shabbos experience or attending a Torah class - and they begin to understand how amazing their heritage is and how much more there is to discover, it's one of the best feelings out there - reconnecting a Jew with his birthright.
3. What are you most looking forward to at YouthCon?
Connecting with people (in real life, as opposed to online where I usually connect!) who have similar interests and passions and letting more people know about Jew in the City.
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Allison is the founder and director of Jew in the City which breaks down stereotypes about religious Jews and offers a humorous meaningful look into Orthodox Judaism through the power of new media. Allison has been involved in Jewish Outreach for over a dozen years and has worked at Partners in Torah, Sinai Retreats, and NCSY. She has written, directed and produced videos for Aish.com and lectures around the country and on WebYeshiva.org. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University in Philosophy and is a mother of four.
Check out her website: http://JewintheCity.com
Follow her on Twitter: @JewInTheCity
I was raised with very negative ideas about Orthodox Jews despite having had almost no personal contact with them. The stereotypes and misconceptions I grew up with made me much less willing to explore Orthodox Judaism as a possible path in life. I realized a few years ago that the attitude I was raised with is prevelent among nearly all non-Orthodox Jews and that they are similarly impeded them from exploring Orthodoxy. It occurred to me that if someone would correct these myths and misconceptions though, more Jews would be willing to learn about Orthodox Judaism. With technology (YouTube videos and social media) being as it is today, anyone can put a message out there and if it's compelling enough it will spread.
2. What has been your favorite experience as a Jewish educator?
I feel that traditional Judaism is one of the best kept secrets in the world. My passion is getting people to give it a chance because most Jews have their mind made up about Judaism despite actually knowing very little about it. So when someone starts to explore Judaism more deeply - whether it's a first Shabbos experience or attending a Torah class - and they begin to understand how amazing their heritage is and how much more there is to discover, it's one of the best feelings out there - reconnecting a Jew with his birthright.
3. What are you most looking forward to at YouthCon?
Connecting with people (in real life, as opposed to online where I usually connect!) who have similar interests and passions and letting more people know about Jew in the City.
------------------------------
Allison is the founder and director of Jew in the City which breaks down stereotypes about religious Jews and offers a humorous meaningful look into Orthodox Judaism through the power of new media. Allison has been involved in Jewish Outreach for over a dozen years and has worked at Partners in Torah, Sinai Retreats, and NCSY. She has written, directed and produced videos for Aish.com and lectures around the country and on WebYeshiva.org. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University in Philosophy and is a mother of four.
Check out her website: http://JewintheCity.com
Follow her on Twitter: @JewInTheCity
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