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Articles by Kayla Kramer
Regret and Relationships: A Review of Belle Burden’s “Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage”
The night before Belle Burden’s husband, “James,” left her was described as any other: He made chicken for dinner on the grill, and after they ate, her children went to watch television and Burden tidied up afterward. They had been quarantining at their home in Martha’s Vineyard during the pandemic with their two daughters, then 12 and 15, while their son was living with friends.
Unspoken Standards: The Problem with YU’s Dress Code Reminder
It’s been a really tough, cold winter. We’ve been hit repeatedly with snowstorms, frigid conditions and unpredictable weather. I know that I’ve been waiting for the return of nice weather, and this week, I finally got to bask in the sun and bring out some of my summer wardrobe. I’ve noticed lots of my classmates doing the same. As students at Yeshiva University, we understand that we attend a modern Orthodox institution with Torah Umadda values.
If Journalism Matters, So Should Journalism Students - The Commentator
We write as two of the very few journalism majors at Yeshiva University and as the only two on The Commentator editorial board. As we enter our final semester at Stern College, we have been reflecting on what the journalism major at YU has offered us, and what it has not. Both of us chose YU intending to major in journalism. We were both originally accepted to secular universities with well-established journalism programs.
Congregation Shomrei Emunah Shows ‘Centered: Joe Lieberman’ Documentary
Earlier this month, Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Englewood hosted a screening of “Centered: Joe Lieberman,” a documentary film by Jonathan Gruber. The event featured opening and closing remarks by Executive Producer Rob Schwartz and Rabbi Menachem Genack, Shomrei Emunah’s mara d’asra. Both Schwartz and Rabbi Genack reflected on their personal ties to the late U.S. senator. Rabbi Genack and Lieberman had learned together every Friday and gave brachot at each other’s children’s weddings.
Wearing Their Story: The Necklace That Reunited My Great-Grandparents
“What are those numbers on your necklace?” “A13843.” Those numbers, tattooed onto Kayla Tzippa Eidelstein’s skin during the Holocaust, are numbers I carry on a necklace I wear every day. Eight years ago, I took on the responsibility of honoring my namesake’s legacy. She was a woman who lost a child in the war, survived multiple concentration camps, and immigrated to America with her husband to rebuild a life and, ultimately, lay the foundation for my own.
From Fitness Passion to Profession
Health and wellness have become a top priority, especially with the numerous exercise options available. Many people have started participating in classes and experiences to join a community of individuals who share similar approaches to working out. College students Ellie Weisberg, Mia Kamensky and Naava Karben took this a step further, seeking fitness instructor degrees to teach what they love.
Explore Used Bookstores!
As an avid reader, I find joy in discovering independent and used bookstores to explore my reading list. While reading can be an expensive hobby, the reward is well worth it, especially when owning books matters to you. That’s why I’ve begun looking beyond Amazon and Barnes & Noble, seeking out alternative places to build my library.
Mahjong Makes a Comeback
Mahjong was always an “older-crowd” game to me, until recently, when I became the odd one out among my friends who didn’t know how to play! Everyone who knows how to play seems to be obsessed with the game, waiting for the perfect time to open up their set and cards. Just being around it has been fascinating, and I’ve learned the different strategies that go into playing and the intricacies of the setup.
Some Fun Items to Bring Your Child on Visiting Day
We remember being campers, counting down the days with our friends until we got to see our families, bearing hugs and lots of goodies. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas for what to bring to your children on visiting day this year, here are some ideas to inspire you: Art and Craft Supplies: A bead-making kit, coloring book (you’d be surprised how fun it can be for all ages), string for friendship bracelets and sticker books.
Antisemitism Awareness Act Remains in Limbo After Senate Markup
The voting on the Antisemitism Awareness Act (S.558) has been postponed since the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a markup session April 29-30. The hearing provided multiple amendments and ended with the bill being stuck in committee since there was never a vote to advance it. A floor vote has not yet been scheduled.
Former Staff Returns to Support Moshava Amid Delays
Faced with uncertainty over the arrival of staff from Israel, Moshava IO, usually filled with Israelis dedicating their summers to run camp, quickly pivoted to ensure they could open on schedule. Former staff members were called in as reinforcements, stepping up to fill key roles that required assistance. Among them is Rabbi David Schlusselberg, a year-round educator at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School (RKYHS), who is serving as assistant head counselor for the third- and fourth-graders.
The 44th Annual AJPA Simon Rockower Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the AJPA 2025 annual conference, took place this week from Sunday, June 22, to Tuesday, June 24. The Jewish Link submitted articles for consideration and took home five awards. Rabbi Moshe Taragin won First Place for Excellence in Personal Essay for his piece about his son Noam, who was seriously injured in Lebanon while defending Israel, “Praying for Our Dear Son, Noam” (November 25, 2024).
Achdut and Emunah Through the Rubble
In the aftermath of Iran’s continuous missile attacks on Israel, Israeli reservists have returned to defend the nation and to help their citizens. Among them is Rav Elyada Goldwicht, whose reserve unit specializes in recovery and burial efforts, who is now working on the front lines of search and rescue in the rubble of Bat Yam. In his unit’s search, they are hoping to find survivors. However, when they find bodies, they use their halachic knowledge to give the bodies the proper respect.
A Glimpse Into People’s Upheaved Summer Plans
With the situation in Israel fluctuating, many personal plans and summer programs must pivot on varying scales to accommodate this abrupt change in the status quo. As of Wednesday, these are the current statements made by official program sources. Jeremy Joszef, Director of Morasha Recently announced, with Israel opening its airspace, Sulam and Amcha will run their standard program with the regular itinerary.
La’Aretz Foundation Launches $1.35 Million Relief Effort to Aid Families in Bat Yam
As Israel continues to recover from a wave of missile attacks amid its ongoing war with Iran, the La’Aretz Foundation has launched an emergency relief campaign to support the devastated community of Bat Yam. The city suffered severe damage, with buildings reduced to rubble, families displaced, and several lives lost.
What began with a simple social media post became a global initiative for others to embrace the mitzvah of melave malka. Since 2018, people worldwide have participated in the Melave Malka Challenge (MMC), bringing awareness to the mitzvah of washing and eating a meal after Shabbat. In its fifth year, MMC recognized that the motivation to wash for melave malka can dwindle as Shabbat ends later during the summer.
Butter Yellow and Polka Dots: From Designer Runways to Our Closets
Spring/summer 2025 trends are in, with butter yellow as the new color and polka dots as the latest “it” pattern. It seems impossible to go shopping these days without a sea of yellow or a collection of polka dots of all sizes.
Surge in Support for Hostages at ‘Run for Their Lives’ Gatherings After Boulder Incident
On Sunday, June 8, across the region, people gathered to run in solidarity for Israel as part of their weekly walk to support the hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. This movement is part of a larger organization, Run For Their Lives, which was launched after Oct. 7. This past week, attendance for Run For Their Lives reached a new high following the events in Boulder, Colorado. Run For Their Lives has now spread to over 230 cities worldwide, hoping to raise awareness.
Surge in Support for Hostages at Run for Their Lives Gatherings After Boulder Incident
On Sunday, June 8, across the board, people gathered to run in solidarity for Israel as part of their weekly walk to support the hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. This movement is part of a larger organization, Run For Their Lives, which was launched after Oct. 7. This past week, attendance for Run For Their Lives reached a major uptick following the events in Boulder, Colorado. This action has now spread to over 230 cities worldwide, hoping to raise awareness.
We Asked Y(O)U Answered: What Advice Would You Give to FTOCs and Freshmen? - The Commentator
One of the most significant decisions people typically make is related to their college experiences. Whether it’s a career path or discovering particular interests, it all stems back to the choices made in these three to four years. With numerous options for studying and opportunities to get involved on campus, it may seem overwhelming for incoming students to know how to feel about the upcoming year.
‘September 5’: How One Film Connects Past and Present - The Commentator
I’m told many people’s favorite part of going to the movie theater is the trailers before the film. However, I was raised to believe that trailers spoil movies and that I shouldn’t watch them if I wanted to enjoy the film. But I’ve decided now that the idea that trailers spoil movies is wrong.
“A Real Pain:" Hitting a Nerve - The Commentator
Ever since I saw “A Real Pain,”I haven’t stopped talking about it. Jesse Eisenberg’s new film is about two incredibly opposite cousins, David and Benji, who join a tour in Poland to honor their grandmother and explore their family’s history. Choosing to see this movie alone on a Sunday night was one of my most memorable experiences this school year.
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