My recent weekend at TAMU also included a visit to the TAMU Hillel and an unexpected Tefillin…read moredonning by Chabad at the MSC. The last time I was here was for Torah Study with Rabbi Tarlow. Since that time many years ago, Hillel has a brand new building that would outclass some synagogues. I really enjoyed the visit and tour (Friday Day) and the confirmation that my annual contributions are really making a difference.

Both my undergraduate and graduate experiences would not have been the same without Texas A&M…read moreHillel! The programming has flourished with the completion of the new building, and it is a wonderful space that several organizations within the Jewish community here utilize. Everyone at Hillel is very welcoming, and there are a variety of options for those who are interested in being involved in Jewish life on campus. There are social, religious, and learning opportunities, and students are encouraged to explore Judaism in ways that are the most comfortable to them! Shabbat dinners are great, and the staff are very open to feedback from students. Hillel also has connections to many opportunities through Hillel International, AIPAC, Birthright, etc., and many students (including myself) have been able to go on heavily subsidized trips. I met some of my best friends here, so if you are new to College Station you should definitely stop by on Friday night!

Well kept, well managed tribute to the government and private victims of the massacre.read more

How many Stars do you give a branch Davidian Review? Hang around and let's see if we can figure it…read moreout together. I've been taking photographs for a long time. In the process of cleaning out and rediscovering some of my work,I came across some most interesting shots of the Mt Carmel Compound of Branch Davidians. About three years after the 1993 incident I discovered they had opened the area to the public and erected somewhat of a museum and memorial. I had to go take a look for myself and the attached photos will allow you to see some of what I saw. I briefly scanned a couple of other reviews and have to agree with some of them. There seems to be some type of unseen energy here. I'm not sure if it is still open or even there but, there is plenty of emotional food for thought. I guarantee you wil think deeply about what happened there.