Emma Watson Says Less is MORE

Be a “Giant” and Play your Own Game

If you’re an American, and it’s Super Bowl Sunday,
You will most likely spend a big part of your day
Watching big macho players show off their might,
While chasing a ball and getting head-locked in fights. You’ll be sunk in your couch with wing sauce smeared on your face. There’ll be friends and families cheering all over the place.

But the hullabaloo confuses me, I must admit
It doesn’t make sense to me, this all doesn’t fit.
What’s the joy in joining fans of your favorite team
In watching the action as it plays out on the screen?
Why not turn off the set, and dust off your ball
And play your own game, experience true wins and falls?

If you’re a Jew, and it’s Super Bowl Sunday,
Remember that you don’t have to wait a year to play.
You’re put into this world to play your own game,
To fight your own struggles and earn your own fame.
After 120 years, they’ll remember your name,
Only if you were a “Giant” and played your own game.

~ Dalia Benscher

Tabloid Mania

I inhale deeply, and the stench of acidic nail polish remover fills my nose. In the orange glow of my bedroom, I am transported back to my younger self, sitting on my old bedroom floor, leaning against my bed. On the floor, I am surrounding by brightly colored magazines, a pair of scissors, and push-pins in a variety of colors. With precision and an unexplainable glee, I cut out picture after picture of celebrities, “inspiring” quotes and eye catching photos. The radio is playing in the background, the latest and greatest chart topping hit of the hour.

For some reason, I am enthralled by the glitzy life of the people I read about. Their scandals make my heart race.

THE FIRST SIN

swaying blades of grass
clear still waters
the world at peace
with itself

shadows lurking
creeping silently
darkens a corner
of my heart

Reflections On My Camp Koby Experience

As I stood in line, waiting for my turn to wash for hamotzi, I smiled at the sweet-faced little girl waiting patiently ahead of me. In response, she reached up on tiptoes and shyly kissed me on the cheek. “Shabbat Shalom,” she said happily. “Shabbat Shalom,” I responded with overwhelming pride. Looking around the dining room, which served the multitude of campers and counselors, one could almost forget the circumstances that brought these children to Camp Koby. Happiness and ruach filled the room. We ate heartily and sang the beautiful Shabbat zemirot from the depths of our souls…

Directions

Cars speed by on the 405 west
The driver reflects
On his day
On the tasks he must do for tomorrow

Traffic comes to a sudden halt
Parents, children, teachers, businesspeople
Wonder how long it will last

Victim or Survivor?

Everyone, at at least one time in his or her life, gets knocked down, and most of us have trouble getting back up. Let’s face it – we all get depressed at times. Sometimes we get stuck in a funk and we don’t know how to get out of it, especially if we’re constantly being knocked down. Eventually, we don’t even want to get up anymore. Why should we get back up, just to get knocked down again?

That’s when we have to catch ourselves and be conscious of our thoughts. What does being self-aware have to do with getting back on our feet, you ask? Just about everything.

The Storm

Let me protect you

Shelter you from this storm

Hold your hand and talk to you

Tell you who you are

Trust in me, have faith in me

Together we’ll be strong

And the brighter days will hear us in this song

Don’t shed a tear

It’s not yet morning

Know who you are

Know where you’re roaming

Hold on tight, don’t let go

I know it’s hard, I know you know

People love you

People care for you

Never forget

You are

Part of the light in our

World of destruction and war

If you forget it

I’ll tell you don’t let it go

You are so special to me

Please promise me you will be

Happy when you’re with me

I love you like- you’ll never know

 

~Hindy S.

Interview with The Maccabeats!

The Maccabeats, Yeshiva University’s a cappella group, were catapulted into fame last Chanukah when their video “Candlelight” went viral, garnering over six million views. Their charm and talent has appealed to observant and unaffiliated Jews alike, spreading knowledge of religious customs and sanctifying God’s name in the process. I had the honor of being able to interview several of the Maccabeats.

I Walk Alone to Her

Her blue eyes stare at me
With wonder and hope
My heart breaks a little
But I still turn around and go.

Her blue eyes stare at me
With confusion and fear
My heart breaks a little more
But I’m told to leave her alone.