The Skribe - Issue4 by Fina Florez

ISSUE #4

COLORS OF MOROCCO by Rebecca Aframian pg. 22

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“LA Mommies” by Farah Shamolian pg. 25

THE HONORABLE MENSCH’N: ARIEL KASHERI by Ashley Kohanarieh pg. 28

SCARED SINGLE by Eyal Ahronov pg. 30

CONTENT

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ISSUE#4

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Overcoming Addiction By Jenny Sherman

Secret Origins: my family history By Ashley Palacios

ABOUT THE SKRIBE

THE SKRIBE MAGAZINE

By Rebecca Aframian

Tikkun Olam: humanity’s goal By Boris Kalendarev

The Skribe’s mission is to be the preeminent resource for the quality reporting and analysis of the contemporary issues and trends that impact Jewish young professionals of Southern California and beyond. We seek to distill information, synthesize solutions and provide a holistic vision of issues that affect the community, as well as report on community events and happenings. Fundamental to our vision are the following principles that guide our direction:

colors of morocco PG.22

“la mommies” PG.25

By Farah D. Shamolian

• Promote awareness and knowledge of Israel, Jewish thought and culture • Create a professional and positive impact in the broader community • Celebrate creativity, balance, humor, and connectedness • Empower the voice of community members The Skribe is a completely not-for-profit publication that is run by an independent group of like-minded volunteers. We are not supervised or controlled by any organization or synagogue.

ISSUE #4

The Contradiction of Faith By Eman Esmailzadeh

THE HONORABLE MENSCHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;N: Ariel Kasheri PG.28 By Ashley Kohanarieh

scared single PG.30

34 A Prayer for the Iran Nuclear Deal

By Eyal Ahronov

THE HANDSTAND APP: An in-person technology connection By Lillian Feder

WHAT CAN FORGIVENESS DO FOR YOU? The act of forgiving and what it means By Sharon Peykar

selfishly selfless The benefits of giving By Naveed Natanzi

By Tabby Refael

06 12 18

people pleasing

By Raymond Nourmand, Ph.D.

WORDS OF WISDOM: ROSH HASHANA Setting into motion a great year for ourselves By Kamy Eliasi

DEFENDING MY DEFENSE ISRAEL Global anti-Semitism continues on the rise By Tina Javaherian

ROSH HASHANA MENU Celebration a holiday of inner sweetness By Nicole Leah Dayani

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ISSUE #4

Letter from The Editor

A New Year, A New Page

The Skribe Magazine is celebrating its first anniversary and we’re proud to serve as a platform and resource for Jewish young professionals in Los Angeles! Ever since our launch in August 2014, we have successfully published 3 issues in print and are constantly posting articles to our site, theskribe.com. With over 40 contributing authors, The Skribe Magazine continues to be the platform for young professionals to voice their ideas, opinions, and concerns over a wide array of topics. Essentially, we’re here to serve as THE SKRIBES of our generation. What is a scribe? Throughout Jewish history, scribes have been used to share the traditions of the Jewish people for generations to come. How does that relate to us today? “Dont let the past define you” is among the most reoccurring pieces of advice used today. I’d like to challenge that mantra by stating that our history does, in fact, define us. We are a link to our generations past. The words written by the holiest sofers (scribes) in Ancient

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Israel reveal details about our ancestors from 23 centuries ago, that we wouldn’t otherwise know. As we embark on the Jewish new year of 5776, let’s connect the past, present, and future together as we shed light onto the culture, politics, and happenings of our generation today. As we write on our modern day Skribe, we are not only inspiring today’s generation but are presenting a link for future generations to come. During these high holy months, allow the wisdom of some of the wisest scribes of our time to guide your coming year. After all, wisdom creates awareness, awareness inspires change, and change creates miracles. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life and may the magazine continue to in skribe the voices of today.

THE SKRIBE EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in- Chief: Farah D. Shamolian

Managing EditorS: Dorsa Beroukim Kay & Eman Esmailzadeh

LEAD Editor: Tina Javaherian

Copy EditorS: Leah Kohan & Ashley Kohanarieh

DISTRIbution & marketing: Eyal Aharonov, Raymond Nourmand, Sara Kashani, Jacqueline Rafii, Rebecca Aframian & Rodney Rabbani

INTERNS Ashley Palacios & Lillian Feder

ISSUE #4

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Handstand App

Career Corner

ow many times have you been told your passion is not worth pursuing? How often have you been guided away from abstract or high volume careers and pushed toward a more “respectable” or “safer” path? There is a mass generational divide with regard to the value we place on particular things that come along with certain professions. Past generations’ mantras of security and stability no longer suffice – our generation is hungry. We want more. We are not okay with mediocrity; we fear it. We have no interest in standard 9-to-5 desk jobs. We refuse to accept that the acknowledged options are the only options. We are classified as entitled and criticized for believing we can have it all; we are considered flawed for eradicating a one-or-the-other mentality and chasing the attainment of happiness alongside security and stability. Sure, there are paths that ensure the hegemonic definition of success. Yes, we acknowledge that it is more difficult to find that kind of success when hedonism is equally regarded. But no, we do not view success as fixed or singularly defined, and that is what makes us different. It can be incredibly difficult to go against the grain in this way, trying to create something out of what others regard as nothing – there is a likely lack of support and recognition that comes along with pursuing a passion that no one else can seem to wrap their heads around. For that reason, our generation needs champions. We need peers with guts, who are relatable enough to seem human and fiery enough to chase their dreams without looking back. Tiffany Hakimianpour is one of those champions and her exercise app proves it. When deciding on a career path, Tiffany thought outside

of the box, keeping her focus on her passion. Her desire to positively affect others through health and fitness became the driving force toward the inception of the Handstand App when she discovered a vast desperation within the market. Upon entering the working world, Tiffany, like many others, felt that it was impossible to find time to workout, so she came up with a way to make effective exercise less time consuming. The Handstand App is a fitness application aimed at “making an active and healthy lifestyle attainable, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone”. It serves as a liaison between trainers and potential clients, affording us all the opportunity to interact with fitness professionals and establish new relationships with people who have the ability to help us reach our health goals. By making personal trainers who are willing to make house calls easily accessible to the average Joe, Handstand App successfully diminishes any and all gymtimidation while also saving a great deal

THE BY Lillian Feder

Tiffany Hakimianpour: We make all types of trainers, instructors, and coaches convenient, affordable, and accessible through our App and Website so even the busiest of people can get their workouts in. Our background checked fitness professionals come from all backgrounds and specialties so you’re able to choose what’s right for you, when it’s right for you, where it’s right for you. Handstand is evolving the way people move city by city. LF: What target audience is Handstand trying to reach? TH: I started with one vision of a target audience and then found the complete opposite picking it up, which opened my eyes up to the opportunities and chances to make a really large impact and difference. We have trainers, instructors, and coaches that work with all age groups and they make it convenient, because they come to you when you use Handstand. LF: What sets Handstand apart from other fitness apps like FitStar and Nike Training Club? TF: Handstand is in-person and on demand fitness of any kind. It’s more work for us, but way, way better for you. The biggest difference is the offline connection. I know Handstand is technically a tech product, but we’re all about the in-person connection. When you use Hand-

of time and energy for both the client and the trainer. We all know it is not easy to find a solid workout partner, and it is even more challenging to find a trainer who is a good fit, so an app that does the research for you must be sent from Heaven! Tiffany has based the inception of Handstand on personal experience as well as a genuine intention to improve both the process and experience of procuring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With her focus on advancement, she has included trainer profiles which contain a user rating as well as trainer specialties and certifications, and allows users to filter their searches based on the specific type of workout that is of interest to them on any given day. Lillian Feder: What is the purpose of the app and how does it work?

“

“Handstand is in-person and on demand fitness of any kind...I know Handstand is technically a tech product, but we’re all about the in-person connection.” ISSUE #4

stand, the expert you choose will physically be there to help you individually to make a change to your body, mind, and diet if need be. They’re in person to support you and not let you fail. You can turn off a video, but you can’t turn off a person! Handstand is a fitness and health company. That’s the difference. Aside from being a well-educated and business-savvy young woman, Tiffany has got the persistent drive necessary to block out negativity and create self-made success. She has paid attention to her instinctual interests and pursued her passion to the best of her ability, and it is working out quite nicely for her. She is incredibly devoted to the evolution of Handstand, and is a wonderful example of why all passions are worth pursuing. LF: Tell me a little bit about yourself – what is your background; what are your interests and aspirations; where do you see yourself a few years down the road? TH: I was born and raised here in Los Angeles and I’ve always had interest in health, wellness, and helping others. My aspirations are to do so in a big way with Handstand. It’s incredible how they all tie together and I feel blessed to be able to do that with a company that I created from the ground up! I definitely will be working on Handstand in the few years down the road. Nothing incredible happens overnight and it’ll take a long time to get to where I want it to be, but it’s all worth it and so much more!

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LF: What motivated you to create the Handstand app? TH: Well, I always was trying the new “it” thing in the health, fitness, and wellness world. It was and is my hobby. The trouble came when I couldn’t do that after graduating from college and starting a serious career. I was frustrated with the lack of time and decided I would hire my own trainer. In that, I found that the process was horribly outdated. It was overpriced, inconvenient and came with such a lack of variety and choices. I thought if I could book any trainer or instructor in a tap that would be phenomenal. And it is phenomenal. To conclude our interview, I asked Tiffany what advice she could offer young millennials looking to pursue their passions. Her response was as inspiring as her story: “Just do it. Make sure it’s important and close to your heart. If you can’t sleep because you’re nervous someone else is moving forward with the idea - that’s a hint. If you can’t stop thinking about ways to improve it before you even begin - that’s a good thing. And make sure it’s on the list of things you do or think about when you’re with yourself. That’s one way to find your passion and something you truly care about. Have passion because the rough times never stop, but if you do, you’ll never get anywhere”. Congratulations, Tiffany, you are well on your way to attaining your goals – and thank you for turning yourself into positive reinforcement of dream-chasing.■

Historically speaking, scribes were the only vehicle by which Jews passed on their beautiful heritage and legacy to those not in their immediate vicinity. Being the “People of the Book” is a testament to our emphasis on reading and writing as a method of telling our narrative to everyone that would like to listen.

Love What We Do? Join us! Be a part of a group of young professionals that strive to be “The Skribes” of our community. Here’s how you can get involved: • Have any thoughts or opinions to share with the community? Here’s your chance to have your voice heard. Write an original article. This can include anything from an original opinion piece to a unique recipe. • Love taking pictures? Contribute original photographs. • In order to make sure, YOU will continue to have this unique magazine for OUR community, support us by making a financial contribution. • The Skribe is growing at a rapid pace, and we are searching for individuals who are interested in spreading our mission to young professionals across Los Angeles & beyond. Questions? Email us at info@theskribe.com For requirements on writing an article, visit www.theskribe.com facebook.com/theskribe @skribemag

Enjoy featured articles from this issue and previous issues online, TODAY! www.theskribe.com ISSUE #4

Secret Origins:

Community Voice

Piecing Together

BY Ashely Palacios

Family History

hat if everything you thought you knew about your family and their history turned out to be only part of the truth? What if your entire belief system were completely shattered because of a few questions? What if one day the lenses through which you saw the world disappeared and everything you thought you knew had changed? That’s exactly what happened to me when I learned the long-hidden truth behind our family history. Hidden in Plain Sight When my grandmother was 20 years old, she left the Catholic Church to be a Seventh Day Adventist. She felt the Seventh Day Adventists were the only ones at that time who truly tried to do what the Bible actually said to do – essentially going “back to the basics”. If the Bible said not to eat certain foods, don’t eat them. If the Bible said to observe the Sabbath day as holy, observe it. At this time, when Christianity was, and still is, filled with theology that says these things no longer need to be observed, the Adventists were some of the only people who believed this way. When my mother was about the same age, she too decided to leave the denomination she was raised in for the Pentecostal Church (a variation of Evangelical Christianity) – but she never stopped following the dietary restrictions or the observance of Sabbath. Even though we were taught growing up in the Pentecostal Church that Torah was “done away with,” that we could eat whatever we wanted, and that sabbath

was Sunday, my family continued to revere the “Old Testament,” not eat pork or shellfish, and to observe Saturday as Sabbath. Growing up, we were different than everyone else – especially the people we went to church with. We always had menorahs around our house and at Christmas we had the hanukiah my mother brought back from Israel next to our Christmas tree – a sight you will no longer see. We followed the Biblical guidelines on eating and keeping Sabbath and we had a strong affinity for Israel and the Jewish people. But I couldn’t help feeling that something was still missing. The Blowing of the Shofar and the Searching Spirit Following what seems to have become somewhat

“Even though we were taught growing up in the Pentecostal Church that Torah was “done away with,” that we could eat whatever we wanted, and that sabbath was Sunday, my family continued to revere the “Old Testament,” not eat pork or shellfish, and to observe Saturday as Sabbath.”

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of a family tradition for the women in our family, at 20 years old, I too began to question the faith with which I had grown up. As a young college student, I began studying the Hebrew roots of Christianity. I soaked everything up like a dry, thirsty sponge. All the questions I

had about Christian doctrine not lining up with what the Bible said were suddenly answered. There was a reason they didn’t line up. The more I studied the more I had strange dreams reflecting something inside of me awakening. My spirit had indeed heard the shofar blowing and began to wake up from its slumber. There was no lightning bolt and there was no epiphany, “aha” moment, but rather, this awakening to who I truly am was the product of months of research, study, talking with family, reflection and prayer. It was a process. It was a priceless gift. It allowed me the time to not only process what I was learning but to also allow it to change me from the inside out. Looking back at the timing, it can be no coincidence that this blowing of the shofar happened during the month of Elul and the holidays of Yom Teruach (Rosh Hashanah), Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. I remember the culmination of my months of studying and searching led me to a Sukkot celebration. I had never seen anything like it before. The palm branch-covered booths with the bright colors and the music and the dancing! I felt so comfortable and safe. Like I was somehow home or where I belonged.

I recently shared my story with a group of Israeli Air Force officers I was working with and the response from one summed up my feelings perfectly. Genuinely awed he said, “It’s as if your spirit was always searching to come home. And it has finally found its way back.” Whenever I tell my story to Israelis or people that have been raised their entire life knowing they are Jewish, I sometimes feel as if they look at me like I’m the lost treasure of Blackbeard or a Narnian creature. I’m the lost Sephardic Jew who was forced to convert – the anusim -- that they have been waiting for – the fulfillment of prophecy written by Obadiah thousands of years ago right before their eyes: “The exiles of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites as far as Tzarphat, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sephara shall possess the cities of the South.” Putting the Pieces Back Together Almost 10 years after I started my search, I can say that I finally feel closer to being “home” than ever before. It’s hard to say that I am definitely “home” because I firmly believe that we never stop growing and learning and changing, but my spirit feels like it’s where it belongs. But it’s also difficult to feel truly at home because in some ways, I don’t belong anywhere. To my Jewish friends, I’m that crazy girl who tries to be Jewish but can’t really prove who her family is. To my Christian friends, I’m that delusional girl who has left her faith in Jesus and has put herself back “under the Law.” The truth is, I am neither of these. I may not be the cookie-cutter version of either Jew or Christian but I have held my own when confronted for what I believe. My ancestors did what they thought they had to in order to survive. They converted to Catholicism. But I refuse to hide any longer. I refuse to be embarrassed by who I am. I refuse to change who I am in order to make others happy. Call me meshuganah. Tell me I don’t belong or that I don’t fit in. But you won’t change what I know in my spirit to be true – that I am Israel.■

ISSUE #4

Forgiveness Do For You?

what can

hroughout my journey as a Clinical Social Work Intern, I have had the opportunity to work within various underprivileged communities. Undoubtedly, working with children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse has been the most daunting yet meaningful learning experience. I am often astounded at the level of resilience and innocence displayed by young clients despite having endured trauma. Countless studies have shown that children who experience early abuse are prone to losing their sense of self and repeating the abusive and harmful behaviors they endured as children. Many will blame themselves for having been abused and very few, if any, will get the apology they so rightfully deserve from their abusers.

BY Sharon Peykar

What can we learn from these precious, young souls? The theme of ‘forgiveness’ comes to mind during therapy sessions with survivors of abuse. Let’s face it: forgiveness is often the last thing on our mind when we’ve been hurt or rejected by someone we care about. The thought of forgiving our betrayer seems counterintuitive. We’ve been socially conditioned to respond to betrayal with anger, sadness, and the urge to get even. We may become consumed with thoughts of vengeance and act in a way that isn’t necessarily representative of who we truly are. Forgiveness begins with accepting reality and letting go of what you think should have happened. When someone crosses a boundary and hurts us, we have two choices: to internalize the person’s actions or to understand the motivations behind the person’s actions. We must be willing to consider that a person’s reasons for hurting us may have more to do with their own suffering than their desire to hurt us. By choosing to understand the other person’s motivations, we are acting from a place of selflove and self-respect. Forgiveness requires us to step outside our comfort zone. When we forgive, we open ourselves up to vulnerability and may encounter feelings of shame and guilt. We may feel conflicted for trying to feel compassion and empa-

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“

Forgiveness requires us to step outside our comfort zone. When we forgive, we open ourselves up to vulnerability and may encounter feelings of shame and guilt. thy for a person who has harmed us. Because we’ve held onto certain feelings and beliefs for so long, they can become deeply ingrained in us. If left unaddressed, feelings of resentment and anger can harden into grudges we hold onto and carry with us into other relationships. Without forgiveness, we risk repeating the same patterns or returning to partners who do not bring out the best in us. I often hear about couples who break up and get back together every few months despite having endured countless betrayals. People often return to toxic relationships with the hopes of changing a partner’s behavior rather than forgiving one another and accepting the other person for who they are. When one person feels betrayed or rejected in a relationship, he or she may internalize their partner’s mistreatment, blaming himself or herself for the rejection. Once we have legitimized our partner’s reasons for rejecting or betraying us, we may feel obligated to prove them wrong. Forgiveness allows us to close the

door, once and for all, on people who leave us feeling obligated to prove our worth. The benefits of forgiveness are worthwhile, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to do. Forgiveness is often dismissed as ‘weak’ or simply ‘too hard.’ Forgiving a person may feel ingenuine at first. As social beings, we may resist forgiving others to avoid being seen as a pushover. Our preoccupation with getting even feels much more justifiable than trying to understand the motivations behind another person’s frustrating behavior. Maybe we are simply not ready to break free of old patterns. Maybe it is too soon or perhaps the pain of betrayal is still too fresh. Whatever the case, forgiveness is not something we can force or expect to happen overnight.

Consider a situation during which you have felt deeply betrayed or mistreated by someone. You may have felt more than hurtmaybe you even felt devastated or disgusted. Now ask yourself, “Is my interpretation of this event serving me in a positive way?” I urge you to be honest with yourself. You may feel hostile and anger towards a person, and have very good reasons supporting your painful emotions. Remember that forgiveness doesn’t excuse the person for their behavior nor does it trivialize the severity of the wrongdoing. However, holding on to a grudge gives us a false sense of control over a person or situation. Grudges can wreak havoc on our lives. In fact, studies have linked patterns of unforgiveness to adverse effects on our mental and physical health.

Holding a grudge will not change the past, but it may affect our future health, placing us at risk for increased stress and the toll it takes on our bodies. In no way does practicing forgiveness insinuate that one must tolerate or excuse a person for unacceptable behavior. Rather, forgiveness is a conscious choice we make in order to free ourselves from the control we’ve allowed another person to have over us. It is all too easy to ruminate over what went wrong and sulk our role as the victim of betrayal. Forgiveness gives us an opportunity to create space for happiness in our lives. The less we internalize the seemingly malicious actions of others, the more we can focus on relationships and people who bring out our best selves.■

ISSUE #4

Tikkun Olam

BY Boris Kalendarev

Why Humanity’s Goal Of Repairing The World Really Starts With First Repairing Ourselves

“ I

“Tikkun Olam is healing, repairing, and transforming others in the most beautiful way possible, by healing, repairing, and transforming ourselves.”

clearly remember one of the first things that drew me into becoming more affiliated with Judaism, the concept of Tikkun Olam. I learned that Tikkun Olam means that Humanity has the goals of healing, repairing, and transforming the world – and I fell in love with this idea. The idea that we should continuously be optimistic in our outlook of life, that we should strive and put our efforts into bringing real change into this world, that we are in this together. Over the years, as I delved deeper, I started to learn more about how mankind tried fulfilling Tikkun Olam, and how often we’ve failed. Frustrated, I focused on trying to understand human interaction, mostly by reading how we reacted with each other over the course of the last few thousand years, through conquest, war, religious zealousness, nationalism, and genocide. I also explored periods of enlightenment, golden ages, and revolutionary change. In one case mankind imposed itself on others, in the other, mankind focused on change from within, change that caught on to others. My main focus was trying to understand the relationships people had deep down with themselves and with each other. I tried the same experiment with myself. I wanted to look deep down and try to understand

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the relationships I shared with my friends and family, the relationships I shared in intimacy and even the relationships I shared where I was in a position of authority or power. I noticed they all had one thing in common– sometimes there is a tendency to focus on the faults of others. More importantly, the tendency to be arrogant, thinking “it’s my way or the highway.” Sometimes, we never learn to appreciate the position of others. Often we are hypocritical. We are too quick to judge. We preach one thing, yet do the exact opposite. We give advice to our friends yet never follow it ourselves. We seek love but are too afraid to give it. We want to be successful yet we don’t put in real efforts in attaining that success. Maybe Tikkun Olam has a deeper meaning. What if we are all obligated to first focus on ourselves? What if we must learn to be honest with ourselves? How can we even begin to repair others if we’re not aware of our own faults? How can we be all-mighty and direct others how they should live their lives if we aren’t satisfied with the way we are living our own lives? Why do we look to others for acceptance? Why are we are afraid of our own sensitivities? We get uncomfortable with our own feelings. We get uncomfortable with the feelings

of others. We learn to believe that material things can bring us happiness. We distort our values. It’s “get rich or die trying.” But what does wealth really mean? Is wealth really all material? What if wealth is knowledge, family, legacy, love, sorrow, pain, hard work, belief, the list is endless. There must be a deeper meaning for all of this. What if each of us has our own light and this light is a flame that comes from within us? Each flame creates a sphere of influence that surrounds us. If we learned to be honest with ourselves, understand that our goal is to repair ourselves, maybe we can learn to understand what “the sky is the limit” really means. We can transform ourselves if we put in effort into doing so but more importantly, we must really believe that we are capable of doing so. Studies have shown that the human brain can’t differentiate between real events and events that we create with our imaginations. That’s why sometimes our nightmares are so vivid and real, we can wake up sweating, sometimes with a very rapid heartbeat. Kobe Bryant, in his recent documentary, was asked how he felt when he accepted all of his championship rings? He said that he didn’t feel very surprised because while he was practicing 8-10 hours

a day, he always envisioned himself becoming a great. Mind over matter. Descartes sums it best when he says, “I think, therefore, I am.” We all are if we believe we can be. This sphere of influence we each control can either influence others positively or it can be a poison, and bring others down. Like a flame, the more flames that are together, the stronger that flame can become. The more power it exerts from within itself. If we each focus on bettering ourselves, learn to accept our own faults, we can learn to understand that perfection is really just an illusion. Know that we can all strive to be better, but we must put real effort in doing so, and if it is sincere, we can transform ourselves. That will cause our light to shine brighter and, in turn, our sphere of influence can get bigger. Others will notice. Others will start to see the light. Others will want to have that same warmth and slowly work on changing themselves too. If we learn to get vulnerable enough to understand who we truly are, we can learn to inspire ourselves, and in turn inspire those around us. The true essence of Tikkun Olam is healing, repairing, and transforming others in the most beautiful way possible, by healing, repairing, and transforming ourselves.■

ISSUE #4

“LA Mommies:” A Modern Resource For Parents

BY farah shamolian

magine, you just had your first baby (yes men, you too). Diapers, bottles, and sleep training become part of your regular vernacular. This total life transformation hits you hard. Resources such as books, articles, classes and videos serve as valuable aids. However, after a long evening of cradling, feeding, and burping with no relief in sight for your relentless baby, no book or article could provide the support you need. That is, until the popular Facebook group “LA Mommies” was formed by Michelle Yasharpour, M.D. She was kind enough to take the time to sit down to be interviewed. Yasharpour has currently amassed over 12,000 members and counting. The majority of the group is comprised of women, but Michelle allows men in the group as well because she believes it should be a resource for all parents. Creating A Collective Community Michelle, a wife, mother of 3, and an Allergist and Immunologist started LA Mommies about four and a half years ago inspired by the tribulations of delivering her first born. Initially, started with her immediate PersianJewish friends and family, but it slowly grew to become a resource for anyone on their path towards conscious parenting. Instead of having to read different books, or take the time to make several phone calls to friends and family to resolve a parenting qualm, individuals are able to get reliable advice from other experienced parents with a click of a few buttons. “As soon as they get pregnant, mothers are quick to sign up for different mommy groups and attend lectures. The waitlists and costs would be prohibitive to some. Nowadays, it’s not as crucial when there is a source where they can ask a massive network of other moms and get an instant response from people who have gone through it already. No longer do they feel alone. It’s a really warm and supportive community which has been indispensable to some” said Yasharpour.

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The group’s most popular topics range from discussions about “nanny politics” to sleep training techniques, vaccinations and has even extended to beauty advice. It serves as a modern framework for parenting, exposing parents to a plethora of advice and knowledge to which they wouldn’t otherwise have access. “LA Mommies allows us to get advice and learn from each other’s experiences in all aspects of motherhood. After all, ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’” said Hilda Kohanchi, a new mother and member of LA Mommies. What makes LA Mommies a better resource than all the other options available is the fact that it is centered around real people in the same geographical area and not anonymous people posting on Yahoo answers. LA Mommies is a unique forum not only because it provides priceless resources, but because there’s accountability and comfort when one has mutual friends that are experiencing the same obstacles and worries. “Being a mom is very hard. When you see that all these other moms are going through the same thing, it’s reassuring. It is like its own community” said Yasharpour.

From Generation To Generation A quick comparison of parenting today from previous generations reveals how drastically parenting methods have shifted. The relatable questions mothers post daily provides insight into the life of a new parent in this generation, and more specifically, a mother who is trying to take on parenting to the T. Today, one small tasks such as finding the right diaper and searching for the perfect nanny slowly become grandiose undertakings, although they may have been seen as mediocre issues in previous generations. However, access to instant responses to posts such as, “I need an emergency pediatric orthopedic for a 6 year old who has a broken arm,” shows the mere power this group has for a mother in need. Connecting People For the Good

Numerous acts of kindness have been facilitated through LA Mommies, as well. It is safe to say that LA mommies, a group started by one mother in need, cur-

rently serves as a priceless tool for virtually allowing the modern parent to thrive and help others. “The things that happen behind the scenes, reminds me of what an amazing community we live in. Moms that don’t need the recognition but private message me to help other moms that are in a bind have showed me the power of such a group.” Michelle stated countless scenarios where mothers in need were connected for the good. Here are just a few examples from recent posts: The Power of LA Mommies LA Mommies isn’t simply a group where mothers post about random topics. It serves as a force for parents who strive to raise children with intention. It also doesn’t hurt that the group is run by an individual who dedicated a tremendous amount of her life and time for the well-being of others. She is not only humble, but facilitates the group in a professional and respectful manner so that multiple people with vast backgrounds are able to access this resource, not just one racial or cultural group. When I asked her what she has learned from this amazing network of women, she answered, “I learn something new all the time. Whether it be a new trick with handing my own kids or being connected to resources within the community. You realize that everyone is going through something even though things may look pristine on the outside. Everyone has the same questions and concerns and just want to be the best parent they can be. When others identify with your concerns you feel better about having them and sharing them. I think that’s the amazing thing about this group, its not just a group, but a community of people that are SO supportive of one another.” LA Mommies is an invaluable platform for modern parents to interact and engage with other people facing similar circumstances. LA Mommies group member Natalie Haghnazari-Zangan explains, “LA Babies playingMommies, is a group where a mother is able to connect and bond and not feel alone, as a professional, and working mother, the first few weeks of being a new mom is a very tough transition and LA Mommies is a place mom’s can turn to for the moral and social support needed from other mothers. I remember when my good friend Michelle just started the group and added me and I asked “can I please also add my other friends to it, this is simply a great idea.” This group has really changed the lives of many moms. Thank you, Michelle Yasharpour, for expanding our society and creating a community for both current and future parents that is based around mutual aid and support. I leave you with an anonymous post from a fellow LA Mommies mother making fun of all the different personas that exist on LA Mommies.■

ISSUE #4

Selfishly BY Naveed Natanzi

hen asked to write this article, I asked The Skribe whether they wanted my perspective as a young Jewish professional, community member, or as the head of a non-profit? After some thought, I realized that the drive required to be successful in any of these roles is based fundamentally on the same principle: the ability to provide selflessly without expectation. As such, I wanted to highlight and hopefully inspire you on how the act of giving has changed my life both from a professional and personal point of view. The benefits of giving have profound biochemical effects on the body. In a recent survey of over 30,000 Americans it was determined that people who give to charity were 43% more likely than those who did not give to be “very happy” about their lives. This phenomenon of the “helper’s high” is associated with a change in brain chemistry by release of endorphins which relate feelings of euphoria. These chemicals are identical to those that result in “high” associated with use of painkillers and many street drugs! Performing acts of loving-kindness have benefits that date back thousands of years. In fact, the importance of providing for others is deeply rooted in our

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core Jewish values. The word tzedaka is commonly misinterpreted to mean charity-the voluntary giving of help. Actually, tzedaka literally translates to justice or righteousness. Why the misconception? It is described that by fulfilling not the option but rather the obligation of providing for those in need, we achieve a spiritual high of righteousness and justice. Once I became aware of the gratitude that comes with giving, I adopted the value of selfishly being selfless. In other words, I came to realize that what makes me the happiest is doing for others. This was the spark that helped establish Kol Ahava and eventually develop it into being among the leading philanthropic organizations over the last three years. As a whole, we have together helped inspire our community to believe that there are few more wholesome feelings than providing for those in need. Through our efforts we have provided life-saving interventions, and dedicated over ¼ million dollars to the GSD Foundation, Save A Child’s Heart, the Bnai Zion Foundation, and to Ariel Kasheri. Ever wonder why your mom or grandma draw so much happiness from stuffing you with food? In essence, it’s the identical principle as above! Feeding, another form of giving, fosters deep rooted happiness. Through

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these reflections and experiences I’ve learned that there is nothing more viscerally pleasurable or meaningful in any business or personal relationship. One who volunteers his or her time up readily is labeled a great friend. A successful physician is one who continues to contribute to life. A great business provides the most desirable product at the most competitive price. These examples highlight the importance of giving and the sense of satisfaction that comes as a result. This brings me to the ultimate giving forum, which is in the context of meaningful relationships. I once remember hearing something in a lecture by the great dating guru, Rabbi David Toledano that changed my perspective on dating forever. He said that a relationship is healthy, secure, and “guaranteed” when either party involved are content on solely providing unconditionally for his or her partner without any self-interest. More simply, my happiness isn’t really dependent on what’s done for me but rather what and how much I can do for you. I saw this as in ingenious method authored by Rabbi Toledano that effectively challenges one to limit personal expectations and personal let-downs. When in any relationship be it friend to friend, boyfriend to girlfriend or husband to wife can effectively take the “me” out of the equation on the path of sustaining happiness, relationships will be unquestionably vibrant, sustainable, and pleasurable. Interestingly, the highest form of all giving is inarguably in the form of marriage where “love” dictates all. What is love? In my opinion it’s all about the ability to give. Best described by Gary Chapman in “The 5 Love Languages,” giving in the form of words, time, happiness, material objects, and touch are the markers for true love as defined in a healthy relationship. Did you know the Hebrew word for love, ahava, stems from the root word lahav which translates to “to give”? As such, we don’t have to look too far to know how intertwined love and giving are… In summary, I am no love guru nor am I a world’s authority on relationships. However, through many professional and personal experiences as a young physician, philanthropist, and unmarried Jewish community member, I have experienced the deep joy that comes with giving, and the disappointment that comes with expecting. I challenge us all to become selfishly selfless and put an extra emphasis on giving because when and if we all do, happiness is imminent.■

As a whole, we have together helped inspire our community to believe that there are few more wholesome feelings than providing for those in need.”

ISSUE #4

“My addictive behavior would end up bleeding into every area of my life.”

am an example of a success story. But this is only the first chapter. I grew up with everything a girl could ask for. But there was always this emptiness—a longing for something, anything, to lead me out of the darkness by which I was encumbered. I felt alone in my world. When I was eleven, I found out I was adopted and that my brother was not my twin. My already unbalanced world was flipped upside down, and everything looked like a lie. That was the beginning of what became my twenty-one year long battle with addiction. My addictive behavior would end up bleeding into every area of my life, taking with it every meaningful relationship, any semblance of self-respect I once had, all my money, and my sanity. I would end up in the hospital at thirty-two with a failing liver and eight days of detox—and who knows what else—to look forward to. I never would

Overcoming

have thought Judaism would play a role in saving me. I never thought it would change me. I was raised half Jewish and half Christian, and not a fraction of it made any sense to me. Neither of my parents were religious, and the exposure my brother and I had to either faith was in little sprinkles here and there during the “important” holidays. At fourteen, my religious practices changed almost immediately once my father hooked up with my soon-to-be, Jewish stepmother. As much as I welcomed the change, and as hard as I tried to embrace the Judaism surrounding me—I saw myself as an imposter who didn’t fit in. Where on earth did I come from? Where did I fit? As the years went on, my addiction grew worse, and the further I drifted from any kind of faith in anything. The more lost I became, the more alone I felt. Alcohol was both my G-d, and my only friend, and drinking was my light through the dark. When my father died when I was twenty-seven, I turned to my reliable, toxic friend

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to take away my pain. But I wore the mask of someone who was just fine, and moved on with my life. All I was actually doing was slowly fading away. I would stay up every night in a cold sweat, trembling and panicking and incapable of sleep. I was just waiting to die—believing I had no chance of overcoming my addiction. And even if I could muster up enough courage to ask for help, I would forever be labeled, “an addict,” and live the rest of my life with that stigma. What would my family think? Will I ever be hireable? What man would ever want to marry me? There was too much shame in admitting my problem, I thought. But the pain I felt… the all-consuming mental and physical pain was too much to bear. I knew things couldn’t possibly get worse as long as I was still alive, so when my brother asked me if I was willing to get treatment, I told him, “I have the will if you have a way to get me there.” The next day, he took me to the hospital to detox, and a week later, to rehab—a Jewish rehab called Beit T’Shuvah, which translates to: The

House of Return. Needless to say, I was apprehensive. I didn’t have a G-d. I didn’t have any faith. Surely they would find out and send me home. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When I came to Beit T’Shuvah, I had no idea how to tackle my social anxiety or make friends. My shyness was crippling, and my only solution to that in the past was a round of drinks (each one for me). After some time going to meetings and process groups with the other residents, and attending services in our sanctuary, things started to get easier. I, someone who never considered herself to be spiritual, found myself looking at spirituality through a different lens. What I learned at Beit T’Shuvah is that spirituality has a different meaning to everyone. To me, it’s human connection. It’s spending time with my father in my dreams. It’s writing poetry, and listening to the music that moves my heart and gives me chills. I discovered those things in sobriety. I had heard horror stories about other rehabs— how some of them were cold and sterile, and military like. I realized how lucky I was to be where I was. I kept hearing, “Beit T’Shuvah is a community,” but I didn’t get it at first. But it is just that. It’s a microcosm of the world, with all the same moving parts, unique personalities, suffering, and hard work. You have neighbors and responsibilities, friends, foes, and teachers. There

g Addiction: My Personal Success Story BY Jenny Sherman

it was—the thing I wanted most but was always hiding from. Connection. And it came in the form of a community that accepted me for me, and told me that I matter. I wouldn’t have survived without that. “Hold on” and “you matter” are two of the many sayings at Beit T’Shuvah. As simple as each is, the mere utterance of those four words can be more powerful than any meeting, or any book. I learned the meaning of T’Shuvah in the house that bares the same name—return. I could see the importance of taking responsibility for my life, and arriving at a place of acceptance of my past. I look at my life now, and I feel grateful. I have a job I love, doing something I love, and I am free in every sense of the word. In looking ahead to the New Year, I look back at my life. I ask for forgiveness. I forgive myself. I enter the New Year as if it were my first. Jenny Sherman is a copywriter at Creative Matters Agency, a social enterprise of Beit T’Shuvah, a non-profit addiction treatment center.■

ISSUE #4

Culture

M BY Rebecca Aframian

Colors

orocco, a country of distinct culture and boundless color, a place where customs of East and West converge, has been a land of ageless history, architecture, and intrigue. Named Travel & Leisure’s 20?? “Travel Destination of the Year”, Morocco holds more than meets the eye as each city is personified by a distinct color and character. While Morocco in its entirety is fascinating, the story of Jewish lineage is particularly so. Having had the exceptional opportunity to travel within Morocco this past year, I delved into the three-thousand-year-old history and traditions of ancient Moroccan Jewry.

f o Morocco

The country that holds prolific inspiration for writers, artisans, and philosophers has been called home by generations of a tight-knit Jewish community. Until the past half century, a once bustling population of more than 300,000 Jews now remains a scattered 3,000. Although small, the Jewish community continues to be strong and vibrant. Dating back roughly 2,500 years ago, the Jewish population in Morocco was the largest in the Arab world. Under the reign of King Mohammed V (1927-1961) and subsequently his son, King Hassan II (1961–1999), Jews enjoyed living freely alongside their Muslim counterparts. As King Mohammed II was once famously quoted, “I do not have Muslim citizens, nor do I have Jewish citizens. I have Moroccan citizens”. A solid sense of patriotism is held within the gates of Morocco for Jews and Muslims alike. It became evident as I inquired with locals about living under their current and past monarchs - they are confident and proud. Despite being a minute community, many Jews compare their relationships to their Muslim neighbors as “brothers” and “close friends.” They show an equal sense of pride for both their Jewish and Moroccan roots. Paradoxically, a country nestled in between the most intolerable of regions shows a strong sense of camaraderie and acceptance. As a Sephardic Jew born and raised in Los Angeles, my childhood was constantly showered with stories of my parents’ upbringing in the Middle East. I learned of their homes near the most ornate age-old mosques and their relationships with the neighboring Muslim communities, but it was only until I entered Morocco that these stories finally came to life. Upon arriving into Fès, the blue imperial city, the essence of the old Jewish community is near palpable

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“

The country that holds prolific inspiration for writers, artisans, and philosophers has been called home by generations of a tight-knit Jewish community.”

as you are greeted by the grandeur of the Bab Boujloud gates, guarding what used to be the walls of the mellah, or Jewish quarter. Walking through the centuries-old mellah, which once held the largest of Jewish populations, it was as if the stories of my father’s adolescence had been painted before my eyes. The narrow cobblestoned paths were scattered with donkeys carrying freshly dyed leathers from nearby tanneries and local Moroccans sporting the traditional djellaba robe. It was evident that not only the architecture, but the day-to-day way of life remained unchanged throughout the decades. Still, the only traces of Jewish life remain within the stories of the city’s cobalt blue walls. The 17th century Ibn Danan Synagogue is adorned by a wealth of traditional Moroccan mosaic tile work, or zellij in Arabic. The striking patterns of the traditional Moroccan starburst motif, testir, in an array of forms makes evident how Arabesque architecture and culture have beautifully permeated the Jewish sphere. Within its rich turquoise walls, the strength the Jewish community once held was undeniable, as both Torah scrolls were seemingly untouched. As beautiful as this sight was, the real treasure lay hidden. As I followed a short dark corridor down three stone stairs, a dim light reflected a small

pool of water in front of me—I soon realized it was the original mikveh of the synagogue, laying tranquil, unscathed. Still filled with water, it reminded me of what I once heard, “where there is water, there is life”, and this centuries-old mikveh had once been a witness to prayer and miracles—the beating heart of Jewish life. Driving through the lush pastures of Meknès, the city of green, into the capital, Rahbat, we were greeted warmly by natives of the Jewish community with two kisses on the cheek and offered aromatic mint tea. Over a beautiful dinner table adorned with traditional dishes of tajine, pastilla, couscous, and an array of spicy harissa, the locals were charming and warm as they conversed in a mélange of Arabic, French, and English. They were quick to express their delight in meeting fresh, young Jewish faces—something that has become a scarcity as most families have made aliyah since the formation of Israel. Nonetheless, they expressed the love and pride they hold for their native hometown, Morocco. As I reach the rose-colored walls of Marrakech, the city of red, I am immediately drawn in by the warm sandstone glow the city emanates. Passing through the medina into the souk, or Arab baazar, my senses are heightened by the endless sparks of color; uninterrupt-

ed arrays of turmeric yellow, jade green, paprika red, and cobalt blue. The scents of spices seem all too familiar—coriander, saffron, cumin, and turmeric. An odd sense of familiarly and sentiments of home are felt as it seemed that my heart had a yearning to connect to my deeply embedded Sephardic roots. My exploration of the Jewish community of Morocco proved to be an experience of intrigue and connection. I felt fulfilled as I was finally able to perceive first hand, the history, the struggle, and the ultimate resilience of my Sephardic roots. It taught me lessons of diversity, acceptance, and the promise to pass onto future generations what makes us who we are and has kept us resilient amongst our adversities–our Jewish legacy. Similar to the interwoven patterns of the zellij, Jews each with a unique story require both an individuality and interconnectedness in order to create an intricate pattern—one cannot discover where one lineage ends and the other begins.■

ISSUE #4

Jewish Thought

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We should learn from the wise teachings of our Sages and use our positive actions to set into motion a great year for ourselves and the world.”

Words of Wisdom:

BY Kamy Eliasi

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ew Year (Re) Solution. New Year’s resolutions are usually ill-conceived human plans to improve in the forthcoming year. The concept is so human and so universal that people from all walks of life use the “new year” as a means to wish for new things and resolve to act in a different way. Unfortunately, as we have all experienced and witnessed, the success rates in such new year resolutions are not high. We have a tendency

to continue repeating what we have previously learned and find it hard to create new habits. The Hebrew language provides us with insight as to why these resolutions fail and a possible solution to make them succeed. Rosh HaShana means “Beginning of the Year.” Rosh means “beginning” and Shana means “Year”. Looking deeper into the word Shana, we notice its root is comprised of Shin, Nun, and Heh. As

with many Hebrew words, one particular root can have several meanings. The following words also share the same root as Shana: to repeat, to teach, to sharpen, tooth, second, year, and change. On the surface, there seems to be little commonality between these words and their meaning. However, when you look carefully at a common theme in these words the notion of constant repetition reverberates. The act of teaching requires the repetition of a concept over and over again. Similarly, sharpening creates a sharp edge through repeated action. A tooth is a sharpened instrument that repeatedly chews food. The “second” of something is the repetition of the first. Year is a repeated cycle of time. All of these words share the common theme of repetition. But how is the word “change” related to repetition and why does it have the same root as all the above words? A cycle is an automatic pattern that keeps repeating if change does not step in and alter its course. Actions and Time are bound to repeat unless we change them. G-d, in His ultimate wisdom, created nature with its repeated cycle of time and behavior, but also created the power of change. In the very cycle of repetition, He granted various opportunities to set in motion a new path that is different from before. All it takes is a simple change to alter the previous cycle and move in a different direction. When better to change our paths than at the beginning of the year?” A full cycle has now been completed and bound to repeat unless a new change of motion is set into place. The Rabbis were keenly aware of this basic law of nature and understood how the beginning of the year is the most opportune time to change. That is why they instituted the ten days of Teshuva (which means Return). From the beginning of Rosh HaShana until Yom Kippur, there are ten precious days where we are instructed to change our behavior and act differently. Not just to wish for better things and not just to resolve to do things differently but to actually act differently. The Sages added additional words to our prayers to highlight the importance of this window of time. Moreover, during these precious ten days, the Sages commanded us to consciously perform good actions and Mitzvot, particularly those with which we have struggled in the previous year. By incorporating the wise teachings of the Sages and acting better during these ten days, we allow action-based behavior change to inaugurate the new year and to set into motion all of the solutions we have in mind. This behavior-based solution is significantly more powerful than hoping that lip service resolutions will somehow magically pave the way for a better year. We should learn from the wise teachings of our Sages and use our positive actions to set into motion a great year for ourselves and the world. May this year be a year of positive change towards further growth and happiness.■

ISSUE #4

o an outsider, the lives of faithful Jews can seem to contradict many tenets of our faith. We pray that Hashem provide us with our needs, but then we are obsessed with gathering great wealth. We proclaim that He is the King of kings, but then we agonize over who will be the next President. We believe that He has full control of Nature, but then we seek shelter during natural disasters. We understand that that He is our all-powerful Guardian, and then we constantly worry about our enemies that seek to destroy us.

ters because God must be “punishing us,” why did Sarah and Avraham ironically escape the ‘blessed’ land that was struck by famine? If in our service of God, we are supposed to stay away from politics, why would Joseph miraculously become arguably one of the most politically powerful men on the planet? And why would Mordechai, Esther, and so many Sages of Talmud be so intimately involved with governmental matters? If all God wants from us is to beg of Him to help us, when stuck between Egypt’s advanced army and the Sea of Reeds, why was Mo-

The Contradiction of Are these just things we say, and not actually believe? Or are we not as devout as we should be? From a simple understanding of Judaism’s core statements of faith, one might surmise that in fact we are living contradictory lives. Maybe we should not pursue our careers, get involved with politics, or even attempt to protect our safety. After all, if Hashem really can take care of all of our needs, why should we worry about them? A simple perusal of the earliest Jewish texts would paint a totally different picture of Man’s role in this world. To shatter the idea of an ideal world full of pious believers who sit passively against Man’s struggles in an effort to testify their faith in The Lord, one has to simply look at the stories in our Holy Torah. If, because of our faith, we should not work so hard, why was Adam commanded to work the Garden of Eden and subsequently do it by the “sweat of his brow”? If we are supposed to simply have faith and accept natural disas-

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ses asked to stop his passionate prayer and march forward? Being that we believe in an All-Powerfull being, we will never come to fully understand why certain struggles come our way. However, from the stories above, one thing is certain; it is our duty to do our part in addressing the struggles in a practical, and most logical way possible, regardless of whether we understand the reasons behind those struggles or not. In dealing with the above duality, I propose the believing person have two parallel thoughts when considering the relationship between Man, God and our actions. On the one hand, we must believe that Hashem has the potential to control every single thing in this world and we can potentially sit back and let Him run the show. On the other hand, we are given the opportunity to do every single thing in its power to better this world and strive to have an active role in that same show. In this light, we see that we can be an active partner with Creator of the universe to carry out

BY Eman Esmailzadeh

his revealed mission and show exactly how much “in His Image” we truly are. With any duality, a delicate balance is required to prevent us from going down either extreme. At what point does our inaction and acceptance of perceived “will” of God become a stumbling block to our true

calling? And more importantly, at what point does our concern for worldly affairs detract from our Religious duty of faith and acceptance of Hashem’s will? Perhaps the metric to finding this equilibrium is a combination of two very sought after, but very difficult life ingredients; a healthy,

unadulterated, understanding of personal potential along with the wisdom and foresight to understand what is truly ‘good’ for this world. With these two elements in hand, one can begin an introspective dialogue with oneself to begin to address the seeming contradiction that we speak of. Yes! I am going to recognize and use all of my God-given resources to address the struggles that come my way to bring goodness into this world and attempt to block any evil that I face. In my attempt to provide for myself, my family, and those less fortunate than me I will work as hard as I can to make a living. In my concern for worldly affairs I will lobby my congressperson, get out the vote, and do everything in my power not to empower those that want to wipe me off the map. In my effort to keep my family safe, I will take every precaution I see fit to protect them from harm. But wait! All this comes with one caveat. I understand that when I am done doing whatever I am capable of doing, I will be neither depressed nor frightened of uncertainties that lie ahead. I also understand that when I have finished doing whatever I think needs my attention, I will be neither haughty nor gleeful for what I have accomplished. Rather, I will raise my hands towards Heaven and pray that my actions were of pure motivation, my calculations of what really is “good” were correct, and that I gave over my true potential, nothing more and nothing less. I will close with a saying from Jewish Sage, Rabbi Tarfon, in the Ethics of Our Fathers, when speaking about Man’s relationship with the proverbial Owner of this world. Rabbi Tarfon said: The day is short, the work is much…. the reward is great, and the owner is pressing...It is not your responsibility to finish the work, neither are you free to desist from it.■

ISSUE #4

Ariel

Honorable Mensch’n

Kasheri

BY Ashley Kohanarieh

Honorable Mensch’n:

very once in a while, one gets a rare opportunity to meet someone truly great. Someone who exemplifies strength, optimism, generosity—a true mensch. Potent emotions like awe, inspiration, gratitude, and even a tinge of shame flood ones consciousness in response to such meetings. For those who have not recently met Ariel Kasheri, that is the experience one can expect by just one Coffee Bean meeting with him. Unless you were on another planet in January 2012, you have likely heard of Ariel and the horrifying car accident in which he and his still-close friend Devin Maghen were involved. The collision, as result of a tie rod malfunction (fellow lamens, that has to do with steering capabilities), put Ariel in a coma for 3 months with severe brain damage and temporarily paralyzed the right side of his body. Ariel spent his 17th birthday in a coma; meanwhile, doctors were preparing his family to face the fact that either he

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may not wake up at all or he would be brain-dead, a “vegetable” as they described it, when he does. Despite the hopelessness of all but one of his doctors, Neurosurgeon Dr. Babak Shafa, Ariel awoke. But it is no wonder the doctors had little hope.

“If the ambulance came 5 seconds later,” Ariel said, “I would have been a goner.” The accident left Ariel with many physical deficits including using a wheelchair for a year, while he relearned how to walk. “He has

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Ariel even quoted Tupac when he said, “through every situation and every mishapen that happens to you, you always have to keep your sense of humor.”

to learn [how to do] everything again, the way a child does,” said his mother, Marjan Kasheri, “…he is my hero.” “My injury was more physical,” said Ariel, while Devin’s was more thought-oriented. Despite being hit with this devastating blow at such a young age, 20 yearold Ariel emanates such an intense positive energy that it’s infectious. He wanted to share a few messages with his supporters: be aware while driving–don’t text and drive, always work to be better, and take nothing for granted. Not once during his interview did he whine about his situation. That is more than some people who have “everything” can say. “No, I never asked ‘why me,’” he said, “I just wondered how something like this could happen.” Ariel even quoted Tupac when he said, “through every situation and every mishapen that happens to you, you always have to keep your sense of humor.” And indeed, Ariel heeds that advice. Despite his difficulty with varying pitch when he speaks, it was clear he’s a jokester and, not to mention, a social butterfly. He was left alone all but two minutes before he was laughing with the two elderly women at the next table. He’s become a public figure of sorts and fortunately, he loves being approached by strangers who know of him. Ariel is the epitome of a people person; there are not many people who would take the spotlight so lovingly. He is empowered by his supporters and is grateful to them, for they push him to work harder (#stillmovin is his go-to on Facebook and Instagram). Meeting and helping people are his favorite hobbies, especially since basketball is not yet an option for him again. Just a few hours before his interview, Ariel completed a portion of the Los Angeles Marathon no wheelchair, no crutches, all him. In regards to how he is overcoming his disabilities, he simply said “Work. Work. Work… I didn’t listen to physiology, I just kept going.” Post accident, he aptly had “perseverance” tattooed on the inside of his upper left arm as inspiration. Fierce-

ly independent, Ariel insists on doing everything he can on his own. “I’m scared scared to death every time he walks up and down the stairs, but he’s so independent he doesn’t want help,” said his mom. Ariel has big plans for the future. In terms of recovery, he continues to work; his next step is to work on improving his speaking. He is currently a full time student at Santa Monica College and aspires to become either a neurologist or a physical therapist, both of which have helped him a great deal, so he can to give back to others. Ariel knows that he could be a prodigious inspiration to other patients in similar conditions, like 70 million people who suffer brain damage each year in the US. In the meantime, however, he works to spread awareness about brain injury, particularly the one he has undergone T.B.I.; he also spends some spare time writing profound poems/raps like…. MIRACLE RAP By: Ariel Kasheri

I woke up from a coma and was diagnosed with T.B.I. Unfortunately all the doctors ruled that I would probably die Thank God I didn’t die though I went down to hell but I told Satan hell no! I’m way too young to die The Grim Reaper was definitely messing with the wrong guy So now I’m here, anticipating my recovery Impatient, but I know this process is very slow and steady Like the story with the tortoise Lil bit of hard work but the end result will be enormous From now on I’m going to work a bit harder Transforming the words I can’t into I can do this better I never said that this will be easy All I can do is my best believe me (Ariel claims it’s still being edited, but it already seems perfect.) This article could go on forever, but attention spans cannot. Ariel is an exceptional person, intelligent, deep, generous, strong, and truly inspiring. He’s the kind of man who insists on treating you to Coffee Bean (even though he’s doing you a favor by doing an interview for you), and then surprises you with two drinks when you couldn’t decide which one you want (that’s hypothetical, of course). He has a love for others and appreciation for life that betters the world. Everyone should take note from this honorable Mensch(-en).■

ISSUE #4

Opinion

ScaredSingle ‘LOVE’ ON DEMAND: KEEPING YOUR OPTIONS OPEN

The Scared Single series is a glimpse into modern dating and the hurdles millennials face on their road to the chuppah

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The struggle in our generation lies in whether we have the ability to determine who is the best life partner for us.” 30

THE SKRIBE MAGAZINE

BY Eyal Aharonov

arriage continues to be a milestone most people aim for. Ask the previous generation about its take on our generation’s dating and you’ll be greeted with gasps, prayers, and an overarching sense of flabbergast. “Why are you so picky?” Events such as fundraisers and charity events are teeming with eligible singles, ironically complaining at the event that there’s no one to date in this community. They seem to be waiting around for something better - someone new - at the next event, perhaps? And if you’ve outgrown the “low-tech” approach to finding someone, a plethora of “hightech” mobile dating apps gives you a flood of new faces, along with the freedom of indicating interest without the fear of rejection. In an age of instant gratification centered on customization of just about everything material, that mentality starts to impact our mindset in our pursuit of a successful, meaningful relationship. Though our generation’s experience with customizability has been pretty pleasant - we get everything we want, and nothing we don’t - we inherently know that our human experiences (personal and professional) should be fluid constructs centered around qualities that need to persist beyond the here and now. Timeless adages passed on to us such as “no one is perfect” and “marriage is full of compromises” may sound like deeply wise and grounded hindsight, but access to love on demand puts us in the driver’s seat, swipe-chasing that perfect, uncompromising fantasy person. And that chase can quickly turn into an aimless, seemingly endless pursuit - it leads us to objectify, and ultimately talk our way out of, the prospects that are the basis of our motivation for attending that event or downloading that app in the first place. Think about your relationship role model. The cornerstones of that relationship likely were traits of longevity: commitment, loyalty, devotion, mutual respect, partnership, etc. The struggle in our generation lies in whether we have the ability to determine who is the best life

partner for us. And even if we clear that hurdle, the next hurdle is whether we have the fortitude to commit, since there’s the everflowing temptation to look behind door number 2, and to customize just a little bit more. The never-before-seen wave of the cropped social media image gives the average single person access to thousands of highlights of other people’s relationships, which begin to flood our own relationship psyche, setting and resetting standards for what we desire. We know those images aren’t exactly real - the heartwarming anniversary tweets, the perfect proposals, the emotional thank you videos - largely taken out of the greater context of that poster’s life - but we consciously and subconsciously internalize them anyway. Dating against the backdrop, and dare I say threat, of cropped imagery and instant gratification seems to run counter to the development of an authentic relationship - and the need to account for the now and later. There’s this intense pressure to continue cropping that JSwipe profile, be a little flashier at the event, in the hopes of grabbing attention of prospects in that split second swiping window, in that surveying of the ballroom. How can you attract a partner and develop a relationship which evolves in line with the greatest relationships you have witnessed when you know the person on the other side may still itch to access love on demand?

How can you act naturally, be yourself safely, showing real and raw dimensions the other person may not really want to see but are part and parcel to who you are, in a culture of cropping? Along with the freedoms not afforded to previous generations, our generation has the freedom of self-discovery, which theoretically gives us a shot at ultimate choice and happiness. Instead, in a culture of cropping and comparing, I think we’ve swapped the freedom to know and be ourselves with the freedom to swipe. There’s no doubt that losing that freedom generates fear. That fear stems from what we can’t seem to understand, get a hold of, and quite frankly communicate to our elders - we can’t gain the confidence to make choices to start that journey towards our very own elusive model relationship. Maybe our answer to those prodding and indicting pickiness questions should reflect the new era of instant gratification we choose to live in: “Honestly, I really enjoy the thrill of keeping my options open.” Imagining giving that shame-laced answer, we may invariably stumble across the naked truth...that we may not be more free, that we may not be better off and that we are ultimately scared single because we live in the age of love on demand.■

ISSUE #4

Israel Today

Defending My Defense of Israel BY Tina Javaherian

“We must not ignore the issue merely because it may not get as many “likes” as creative pictures of our food.”

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s Israel’s history demonstrates, it can be attacked at all times. Whether by Hamas, Hezbollah, or ISIS, Israel must be prepared to defend itself at any given moment. When conflicts erupt involving Israel, so do posts on social media. While some post about such issues, others complain about their newsfeeds being flooded with conflict-related posts. When it seems like everyone already either supports or opposes Israel’s actions, why spend time and energy posting about it? Nothing we post on Facebook can change anyone’s mind, right? Attempting to enlighten the “other side” of a conflict may be like talking to a wall. For this reason, many people shy away from posting about the topic. Nevertheless, it is vital to inform those who are not on either side - the undecided and indifferent. We must get their attention; their opinions matter. As they have the right to protest, write to congress, and vote, it is important that they understand the situation. When we see uneducated people posting lies and spreading hate, it is our responsibility to balance that out. It is not fair for us to reap the benefits of the soldiers who risk their lives protecting our country, and not take 30 seconds to support their cause. Global anti-Semitism has been and continues to be on the rise. However, not until the January 2015 attack at the Kosher supermarket in France did

we see anti-Semitism being reported by Western media. Anti-Semitic attacks in France doubled in 2014. Seven thousand Jews fled France that year – not in response to terrorism, but due to discrimination they felt in their day-to-day lives. The media found this uninteresting and not news-worthy; the public was largely unaware of it. One of the only reasons for which I was previously aware of the extent of European anti-Semitism is because my friends posted about it on Facebook. Present-day anti-Semitism is eerily similar to that in pre-war Europe. What is the point of saying “never again” if we do not speak up when Jews are currently being persecuted? We must not ignore the issue merely because it may not get as many “likes” as creative pictures of our food. I have heard people complain that during conflicts, they do not like seeing “political” posts on social media. Imagine if social media existed during World War II. What if people were able to communicate the way we can now? Would we have wanted our friends to stay silent just because the issue was unpleasant?

As I am concluding this article, I open my Facebook newsfeed and see posts about swastikas being spray painted on a University of California Jewish fraternity house. This story does not appear on either CNN nor Fox News. I would not have known of the occurrence if it were not for my friend’s post. This perfectly highlights the importance of using your voice on social media. “If you’re contemplating posting something in support of Israel and do not know what to post, keep two things in mind. First, be respectful. Refrain from degrading those with whom you disagree. Not only would it not further your point but it would make your message seem less reasonable. Second, when possible, use reputable sources from well-known American media. While most Jews know that Israeli media sources such as Haaretz are reliable, most Americans do not. Because our purpose in posting is to spread truth to those who are unaware, we should try to use sources upon which they themselves rely.”■

ISSUE #4

A Prayer for the Iran Nuclear Deal BY Tabby Refael

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he only accurate description of how I felt--as an Iranian-American Jew that escaped the repression of the Islamic Republic of Iran at a young age--when I received this summer’s news of a strikingly bad nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1, is to compare it to an anxious patient receiving a disturbing medical diagnosis by a doctor whose medical malpractice she had suspected had actually contributed to her worsening condition over the course of many, many years. I felt defeated and hopeless, even more striking given the fact that, I, along with dozens of wonderful young leaders, had co-founded the nation’s leading Iranian-American Jewish civic action organization (30 YEARS AFTER) and knew exactly which community organizations, individuals, media outlets, and elected officials to approach in an attempt to urge Congress to vote against the deal. After having exhausted all other options that are a normal part of my portfolio when trying to affect change as an activist, I finally remembered that if I had been that distraught patient, I would have immediately turned to another outlet of hope and action: prayer. Now, I’ve been known to pray for anything, from marriage to children to one lousy parking space at Glatt Mart. But the Iran nuclear deal? My first inclination was to

pray for a rampant epidemic of severe piles, also known as hemorrhoids, among Iran’s regime that would render them incessantly sore and irritable, and therefore unable to oversee any further nuclear progress. I had a special prayer for boils and impotence against Hamas and Hezbollah as well. In truth, praying about this issue in a way that makes one feel both heard and comforted is harder than it seems. For possibly the first time in print, for concerned young Jews, by a concerned young Jew, I now offer something other than an impressive op-ed or superficial meme: A prayer regarding the 2015 Iran nuclear deal: Master of the Universe (and I really do mean ‘universe,’ as this is truly a universal issue), in whose Hands lay every action of man in the universe: Thank You for the realization that the greatest ultimate power emanates from You, and not from any singular man, assembly of men, or governing body. Forgive me for the confidence and power that I have displaced from You and inadvertently placed in the hands of men, by having allowed their voices and actions to have so disturbed and unsettled me. Forgive me for not having realized that both those that have supported me, and those that have frustrated me, are enabled by You, and ultimately answer to You. With complete gratitude for the miracles that you have performed for the Jewish people, including the tens of thousands of suffering Jews that you allowed to escape Iran, I appeal to your infinite power and mercy to spare America, Israel, the Jewish people, and innocent civilians worldwide, from further violence and death at the hands of religious fanatics that breathe violence against us. You, who commanded us to respect and obey the laws of every land that we have settled since our Exile tragically began, please endow our leaders today with the courage to oppose popular viewpoints that may nevertheless compromise our safety; the openness to hear AND be affected by different ideas that challenge their predetermined notions; the compassion to internalize the suffering that the Iranian regime has caused

“

millions, including the victims of Iran’s terror proxies worldwide, refugees that found shelter in America, as well as American servicemen that fought in Iraq and Afghanistan; and the wisdom to lead and act in appropriate ways that will not ease, G-d-forbid, but prevent further violence against us. And above all, endow our leaders with the imperative for responsibility for our

In truth, praying about this issue in a way that makes one feel both heard and comforted is harder than it seems.” country and our future that will ensure a truly good deal that dismantles the cruel threats against us, according to Your will. As for those who curse us and plot evil against us, whether their leaders, soldiers, or their proxies, make nothing of their plans and schemes against us, and render all of their weapons against us--whether by hand, by mouth, by sale of arms, or by the press of a button--useless and futile. Let their plans fall flat and crumble like days-old pita bread. Do not allow them to be emboldened with either spoken global support or increased financial livelihood to further their violence against us. Change their hearts and reverse their hatred, and forgive us for how WE have strayed from You, and our highest potential. Please unite our voice and do not cause us to turn against each other in disunity and national schism, whether as Americans or as Jews. Bless our children to inherit lives of peace and safety, rather than violence and chaos at the hands of bellicose oppressors that seek our destruction. Strengthen our hearts with complete faith in Your protection and open our souls to pursue Your will and teachings each day, in peace and compassion. Amen.■

ISSUE #4

Growth & Personal Development

People-Pleasing: What Are You Really Trying to Do?

eople-pleasing has been a commonplace phenomenon for as long as people have existed. It comes up in different ways, across various social settings, and is done for a range of reasons. The practice of people-pleasing refers to our tendency to act in a particular way to evoke pleasant feelings in the people around us. At first glance, it’s easy to understand why we people-please. It pays off. As social creatures, we all have a desire to feel loved, accepted, and important in the eyes of others. We all have a yearning to be looked at, attended to, and well-regarded by others. What happens when we people-please is we simply try to give the people around us a reason to come close to us. It helps us feel connected. There are a myriad of ways in which we people-please. We wear nice clothing, drive nice cars, live in nice homes. We praise, compliment, and flatter with our words. Many times, these actions are ultimately geared towards winning the approval of the people around us. Usually we think that by wearing, driving, living, and speaking in beauty, people will like us more and want to spend more time with us. After all, beauty is always attractive. It grabs people’s attention, and compels them to look. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with people-pleasing, the truth is that it’s

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based on a risky form of relating. At the core, people-pleasing involves focusing on other people. It’s about doing whatever we have to do, saying whatever we have to say in order to get other people to like us. As a result, this may lead us to behave in ways that we may not otherwise behave just to get the approval of others. Accordingly, people-pleasing can become problematic. One way people-pleasing can raise issues is that it trains people to look outside themselves to see how they should feel about themselves. It’s about looking to others to assess one’s own sense of worth on the inside. The more people engage in people-pleasing, the more they are relying on other people for “direction” on how they should think about themselves. This preoccupation with what others think can readily deceive a person into believing that he or she is only as good, worthy, and lovable as other people say. As a result, another way people-pleasing can be harmful is it limits a person’s range of expression in establishing who they are as an individual. Again, this stems from the obsession to make the people around happy. When a person’s primary focus is to please one’s environment, it becomes really easy to lose oneself. After all, what other people say and do governs his or her self-concept. If others approve, the person feels good about him or herself and

BY Dr. Raymond Nourmand

“We praise, compliment, and flatter with our words. Many times, these actions are ultimately geared towards winning the approval of the people around us.”

“Usually we think that by wearing, driving, living, and speaking in beauty, people will like us more.”

seeks to repeat that behavior to gain more positive attention. If others don’t approve, the person feels devastated and tries to change his or her behavior to get a more positive response. That’s why, ironically, chronic people-pleasing often leads people to feel empty, lonely, and lost. People are generally at their best when they have a

true, solid understanding of who they are. This is not to say that it’s necessarily easy to get there, but it’s definitely possible. With the proper drive, diligence, persistence, and help, discovering one’s true self is do-able. And as

it becomes more uncovered, life becomes different. Because you will start seeing things differently than you used to. You will start seeing who you really are, and making decisions from a more solid, grounded platform. A platform that no person can shake. Being truthful and honest about who you are can be challenging, for it makes you vulnerable to rejection. It can be painful. No question. Yet, the alternative won’t lead a person to a much better place in the long-run. The truth is, the more people try to please the people around them for the sake of feeling good about themselves, the more likely they are attracting people for the wrong reasons. The quintessential irony of people-pleasing is that while it might draw peoples’ attention, and it might seem like people like you, it’s not actually you that they are liking, just the facade you’ve made them believe is you. Pleasing-pleasing is a natural tendency we all possess. We all want to be liked by the people around us, and people-pleasing seems to be a great way to accomplish that. However, when taken to the extreme people-pleasing can become problematic. Paradoxically, it often leads people to feel utterly dazed, confused, and disconnected because what they are doing to please others is not always so genuine. When people exercise the courage to own who they are and bring that to their interactions, they are more likely to experience true, loving connection. Because at least now they are giving themselves a chance.■

ISSUE #4

Rosh Hashana Menu

“

Rosh Hashanah is a holiday of inner sweetness and

abundance; if there is space in your heart, there is space around the table.”

osh Hashanah is also known as Yom Teruah, which literally means “a day of shouting” or “the feast of trumpets.” As long as I can remember, Rosh Hashana has always been a very symbolic holiday for me. My grandparents would set the table with every and any kind of sweet fruit, dried fruit, and vegetable you can imagine. My grandfather would always wink at me and say, “Rosh Hashanah is a holiday of inner sweetness and abundance; if there is space in your heart, there is space around the table.” Each and every food on the Rosh Hashanah table has a sym-

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BY Nicole Leah Dayani bolic meaning to me and has inspired me to share easy recipes for others to share with their families! For my first course, I used leeks and cabbage which are symbolic of destructing or cutting off our enemies. For my second course, I used zucchini, the prayer of which symbolizes the spiritual roadblocks created by the past year’s missteps that must be removed before a sweet New Year is granted. For my third course, I used fish as the main ingredient. Fish multiply in great numbers, they never sleep, and they swim in water. Believe it or not, these are the reasons why they are eaten by some Jews on

Rosh Hashanah. Fish symbolize that this year will be one of plenty, just as fish are extremely fruitful. For my last course, I used apples and honey as the main ingredient. Apples are the fruit of the tree and on Rosh Hashana we dip them in honey to ask for renewal of a sweet New Year. Unlike other fruit trees which sprout leaves to shade their fruits, apples make their way into the world without leafy protection, just like Jews who practice their beliefs regardless of their vulnerability. May we all merit to celebrate a New Year filled with blessings of health, true happiness, and success.■

Fennel and Cabbage Dill Salad Topped With Crispy Leeks In A Mustard Dressing Ingredients for salad: - 1 head of white cabbage thinly sliced - 1 bulb of fennel thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh chopped dill - 3 mangos, peeled, cut into thin slices - 1 leek chopped thinly (about a cup and a half) - 4 tsp vegetable oil Dressing: - Juice of 1 lemon - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp whole grain mustard seeds - 1 tsp fig jam - 1/3 cup olive oil - salt and pepper Whisk all ingredients together

Preparation: 1. In a bowl, combine thinly sliced white cabbage, fennel, and dill. 2. Heat a medium sized sautĂŠ pan with 4 tsp vegetable oil, then place sliced leek on pan. Fry for 5 minutes until light brown and semi-crispy. 3. Toss dressing with cabbage, dill, & fennel. 4. Place mango slices around the edges of serving dish, pour tossed salad in the middle of your dish, and garnish with crispy leeks on top! Enjoy with family and friends!

ISSUE #4

Crustless Zucchini Pie With Onion Jam and Lemon Tahini Dressing Preheat oven to 400 degrees Ingredients: - 5 zucchinis cut in 1/2 cm slices, lengthwise - 1 red onion, cut in slices - 3 tsp vegetable oil - 1 tsp paprika - 1 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp turmeric - 3/4 cup tomato sauce - juice of half a lemon - 5 tsp tahini - 3 tsp olive oil - vegetable oil spray - 1 egg - 1 round 10 inch pie baking sheet - sauté pan Preparation: 1. Spray baking sheet with vegetable oil spray, then place zucchini slices on your round baking sheet,

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each slice sitting half way over another slice. Then spray vegetable oil over zucchini slices. Evenly coat zucchini slices with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place it in the oven for 25 minutes at 400 degrees. 2. Meanwhile, preheat a sauté pan with 3 teaspoons of vegetable oil on medium heat for two minutes. Then place onions on pan with turmeric. Sauté for 10 minutes, then add tomato sauce. Let flavors cook together for an additional 10 minutes on low. 3. Once zucchini has baked for 25 minutes. Whisk egg, and pour over zucchini slices, this will bind zucchini slices together. Bake for an additional 15 minutes at 350 degrees. 4. In a separate bowl whisk together tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. 5. Once zucchini has baked, pour onion jam over final dish, and drizzle lemon tahini on top!

Branzino With Roasted Yellow Tomatoes & Red Onions with Basil Pepper Garlic Dressing Preheat oven to 400 degrees Ingredients: - 4 Branzinos, Butterflied, skin on - 1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes cut in halves - 2 red onions cut into slices - 3 tsp vegetable oil - salt -pepper Basil pepper garlic dressing - 6 cloves garlic chopped finely - 1/2 cup basil chopped finely - 1/3 cup red peppers chopped finely - 1/2 cup olive oil - 3 tsp rice wine vinegar - 2 tsp mint chopped finely - salt -pepper

Preparation: 1. Place sliced yellow cherry tomatoes and sliced red onions in a bowl. Lightly toss with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Then place on large baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. 2. Basil pepper garlic dressing: In a bowl combine chopped basil, mint, garlic, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes for flavors to marry together. 3. Open space on baking sheet and place Branzino filets a few inches away from each other. Season Branzino with salt, pepper, and drizzle of vegetable oil over each. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Branzino will look completely white and meaty. 4. Right before serving, drizzle basil garlic pepper dressing over fish and roasted tomatoes and red onions.

ISSUE #4

Maple Syrup & Honey Apple Cardamom Nut Crumble Preheat oven to 400 degrees Ingredients for apple filling: - 6 apples, peeled, and cut into half moon slices - 3 tbsp maple syrup - 2 tbsp honey - 3 tbsp butter - 3 tbsp sugar - 1/2 tsp cinnamon -sauté pan 1. Heat sauté pan with butter on medium heat for 3 minutes, then add apples, honey, maple syrup, sugar, & cinnamon. Sauté for 12 minutes on medium, allowing apples to caramelize. Make sure to stir every 3 minutes (apples burn easily). Set aside. Nut crumble Ingredients:

- 1 cup oats - 1/3 cup chopped pistachios

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- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/3 cup chopped walnuts - 1 stick butter - 2 tsp brown sugar - 1/2 tsp cinnamon - 1/3 tsp cardamom - 2 tbsp vanilla extract 1. Place butter in the microwave for 30 seconds, until melted 2. In a bowl, mix oats, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla extract, and butter. Texture will look like wet sand. Assembling: Lightly oil an 8 by 12 Pyrex. Lay caramelized apple slices side by side. Then evenly sprinkle nut crumble over apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with ice cream. Enjoy!

This Issue’s Skribes Ashley Kohanarieh is currently pursuing her passion for art and writing. She has written for online magazines and marketing companies, but ultimately hopes to use the written word to contribute to the lives of others. Ashley has co-founded the organization Y.A.L.L.A.H., and she is dedicated to sharing knowledge and her understanding of Jewish life. ashleyleahkohan@gmail.com.■

Ashley Palacios is the founder of Voice in the Desert – a blog focused on politics, current events, and religious topics. She lives in Albuquerque, NM and works for the U.S. Air Force.■

Boris Kalendarev was born in Tajikistan and lived in Israel until the age of four. He grew up in NYC and became connected to Judaism in his late teens. While he has been working in finance over the last 8 years, his real passions lie in connecting and learning about people and encouraging them to believe in themselves.■

Eman Esmailzadeh is a graduate of UC Irvine where he studied mechanical Engineering and Business Management. After college, he advanced his Judaic studies at various seminaries in New York and Jerusalem. He currently is the Brand Director at Coloronix, a manufacturer of themed lighting products.■

Eyal Aharonov was born in Israel to Persian and Bukharian parents, raised in Los Angeles and is the youngest of three boys. Eyal was raised with a deep connection to Judaism and to Zionism. Through his education in the United States, he has developed a sense of awareness and responsibility for Judaism in the Diaspora. As a result, he joined the Skribe team to help create and facilitate a dialogue among his generation of Jews in Los Angeles.■

ISSUE #4

This Issue’s Skribes Farah Shamolian is a Public Health professional who focuses on reducing health disparities worldwide. She recently completed 30 Years After’s Maher Fellowship as well as serving as a Global Justice Fellow at American Jewish World Service. Her long standing passion for community engagement culminated in co-founding The Skribe Magazine in 2013. farah@theskribe.com.■

Jenny Sherman is a copywriter at Creative Matters, a design agency and social enterprise of Beit T’Shuvah, a non-profit addiction treatment center. She is a budding poet and lyricist in her hometown of Los Angeles.■

Kamy is currently working as a Managing Director for an international logistics company and also holds a CPA license. He is passionately involved with Jewish learning and studying the Hebrew language and its connection to all the languages of the world. torahversity@gmail.com.■

Lillian Feder graduated from UCSD in the Spring of 2014. She majored in communication and is looking to pursue creative writing. She is an ex-collegiate athlete, a writer, and a gym junkie.■

Naveed Mayer Natanzi was born and raised in Los Angeles. In 2012, he obtained his medical degree from Western University-College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. He now is a resident at the University of California, Irvine in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department.■

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This Issue’s Skribes Nicole Leah Dayani is aself-taught chefand recent graduate of UCLAwith her B.A in Sociology,currently working in real estate. The inspiration behind her passion for cooking and f ood creativity are h er mother and her grandmother. @NicolesKitchen on Instagram.■

Raymond Nourmand, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Relationships. His goal is to help people better understand themselves so they can build happier, more fulfilling relationships. www.raymondnourmand.com.■

Rebecca Aframian completed her master’s degree in interior architecture and design at L’École des Beaux-Arts Paris American Academy in Paris, France. She is currently working as a residential designer with a firm in Santa Monica, California.■

Sharon Peykar is a recent graduate from the USC School of Social Work. Her passions include mental health and wellness. Sharon is a 2015 Maher Fellow and board member of 30 Years After. speykar@usc.edu.■

Tabby Davoodi is the Executive Director of 30 YEARS AFTER, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the participation and leadership of Iranian-American Jews in American civic, political, and Jewish life. Tabby was born in Iran after the Iranian Revolution and immigrated to the U.S. towards the height of the Iran-Iraq War.■

ISSUE #4

This Issue’s Skribes Tina Javaherian is an attorney practicing civil litigation. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California Los Angeles and received her Juris Doctor degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.■

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Be part of THE SKRIBE by submitting your article. Submissions are due by 01/31/2015 for our issue #4.■

the skribe Our community. Our voice.

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ISSUE #4

the skribe Our community. Our voice.

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