Religious and Cultural Activities
Jewish Affinity Group
Last year, our school created a diversity initiative. One of the most major aspects of that initiative was the creation of affinity groups. Affinity groups provide a space for students with common identifiers to connect and discuss their own personal experiences. I decided to found the Jewish Affinity Group last February. Our group is not one of the largest affinity groups on campus. We celebrate Jewish holidays, discuss issues within the Jewish community, and bring in speakers. Our central focus is to bring people of all different Jewish backgrounds together.
Israeli Culture Club
I have been a member of the Israeli Culture Club at my school since I was a freshman. This year, I am lucky enough to lead the club. Our club pairs with a few Jewish organizations outside of the Hawken community to bring in Israeli gap year students for almost every meeting. We run activities, discuss current events in the Middle East, and learn about Israeli culture. We discuss the similarities between Israeli Judaism and American Judaism and invite people from all religious background to join the club. We've been able to educate many non-Jews about both Judaism and Israeli through the club.
Akiva High School
Akiva is an evening high school for Hebrew studies. I have been learning Hebrew through Akiva since I was a freshman. We have biweekly meetings to study Hebrew. I am learning basic grammar and vocabulary. My Hebrew skills have had a huge increase since I began my lessons. I learn through reading, writing, and speaking. Akiva has also brought me closer to other Jews in the Cleveland community because many students from different schools attend Akiva.
Playmakers Youth Theater
Playmakers Youth Theater is a theater program for kids grades 2-9 run through the Cleveland Jewish Community Center. When I was a kid, I was often in the plays and musicals. As I grew up, I transitioned from acting into assistant directing. Now, I volunteer as both an assistant director and crew member. I help manage kids backstage and organize staging. I also assist by helping move set pieces and handle microphones as a crew member.