Schmoozer (Audio Edition)

In this episode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman talks to the creator of Dveykus, the Semitic Keffiyeh.

Dveykus is a transcendent contemporary accessories line exploring the cultural, historical and spiritual spectrum of Jewish consciousness. Launched in 2009 by fashion industry insider Baruch Chertok, the line mixes thought-provoking imagery, Semitic influences and pop culture to give Dveykus its distinct, iconic style. Our goal is to inspire Jews of all backgrounds to explore the beauty and wisdom of their heritage by using the rich mediums of fashion and visual art to promote conversation and connection, thereby fostering a sense of Jewish pride and relevance in our 21st Century generation.

Baruch, currently based in Brooklyn, seamlessly bridges the gap between art, music and fashion as well as culture, spirituality and philosophy into his designs. A graduate of FIDM in San Francisco and a fashion & graphic designer by trade who has worked for industry leaders such as Bisou Bisou and Z.Cavaricci, his relationship with Judaism sprouted from a seemingly simple question: What does it mean to be Jewish? The question had a profound impact, leading Baruch on an exploration that resulted in a major shift in his perspective. Dveykus is a byproduct of his journey.

The line was first made famous by the Semitic Keffiyeh, a design which illustrates Dveykus’ reaffirmation of a positive and informed Jewish identity. Variations of the keffiyeh have been worn by many peoples in the Middle East for generations, but in recent times this symbol has become a divisive and politicized one. The Semitic Keffiyeh celebrates our shared Middle Eastern heritage while challenging misconceptions that it has always been the exclusive garb of any particular group. Media reaction to the Semitic Keffiyeh was swift: the NY Times, Jerusalem Post, Arutz Sheva and more ran articles that propelled Dveykus to the forefront of discussions regarding Jewish consciousness. The Semitic Keffiyeh has therefore become a barometer for one’s self-perception based on one’s upbringing, education and personal biases about being Jewish. Baruch continues to boldly examine modern Jewish identity with an ever-evolving product line that both taps into our Semitic traditions and reflects current trends.

The Dveykus message expands beyond fashion to promoting positive action as well. We strongly believe in giving tzedakah (charity) and are happy to announce that 10% of every Dveykus purchase will go to a Jewish charity that customers select at check-out. This way, your purchase also becomes a tangible contribution towards Jewish continuity and social action.

The Hebrew word dveykus means “cleaving” or “attaching oneself” to something transcendent, i.e. G-d, in all areas of life. It is our hope that you not only find a piece that speaks to you, but that your experience here at Dveykus is one of a positive and uplifting nature.

In this episode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman lights the candles for Chanukkah and then interviews Jack Abramoff and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

In a stunning fall from public grace, Jack Abramoff went from the halls of power and a major supporter of Jewish charities to becoming America’s most notorious lobbyist and a symbol of Washington corruption. He is now on a journey of repentance and renewal, a subject he will share with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, “America’s Rabbi” in This World’s upcoming “Renewal and Repentance — Earning Personal Redemption & Public Grace” discussion.

In this episode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman attended a live performance by the Maccabeats in honor of Chanukkah.

In the fall of 2007, a few students at Yeshiva University came to a startling realization: Jewish collegiate a cappella groups had been formed on almost every college campus with a substantial Jewish student community – every campus, that was, except for YU! This realization soon led to the formation of the Maccabeats, YU’s all-male a capella group. At first, the Maccabeats sang mostly in the privacy of their own practice room, developing a repertoire. Soon, though, their music began to spread and be performed all over campus at a plethora of university events and at numerous concerts. The Maccabeats have since performed all around the country, from New York’s Madison Square Garden to Los Angeles, California (and everywhere in between).

Strongly committed to the philosophy of Torah u-Madda, the integration of traditional and secular wisdom, the Maccabeats perform an eclectic array of Jewish, American, and Israeli songs. Their breakthrough piece, Lecha Dodi, is the epitome of this synthesis, combining some of the most beloved words of Jewish liturgy with Leonard Cohen’s meaningful and melodic Hallelujah.

In March 2010, the Maccabeats released their first album entitled Voices from the Heights, which is distributed by Sameach Music.

In November 2010, the Maccabeats released “Candlelight,” a Chanukkah themed video produced by Uri Westrich, which garnered international attention and was covered by the major news sources. The song is available for download on iTunes or MP3, and the video can be viewed on YouTube.

In this episode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman attended the Shaare Zedek Medical Center Gala Event in New York City.

In celebration of Hanukkah we light the menorah together and give back to the community. We attended the Project Ezra holiday package delivery to elderly of the Lower East Side. Project Ezra is an independent, non-profit grass-roots organization serving the frail elderly on New York’s Lower East Side. We provide a variety of services to a largely homebound population. We are not a member of any Federation or umbrella organization. We do not seek or accept government funds and our existence depends on the tzedakah (justice impulse) of the community at large.

There is an exceedingly sensitive and appropriate phrase in the Yom Kippur liturgy: “Do not forsake us in our old age; as our strength seeps away, do not abandon us.” The sun shines mightily and the light is abundant when we are young. Life becomes difficult and gray as we reach old age. We wanted to be there to make a difference.

Project Ezra’s population includes over four hundred frail elderly who are economically, physically or psychologically marginal. In addition, throughout the year, we have contact with hundreds more when they are in need of certain of our services. We offer social work services, including assessment and evaluation, as well as ongoing support and counseling. We provide crisis intervention and make referrals to appropriate agencies when indicated.

J-Care is Birthright Israel Alumni Community/JEC’s community service initiative that allows young Jewish New Yorkers the opportunity to give back and have fun in the process. J-Care typically occurs 3-4 times a year so be sure to check back for upcoming events.

In this episode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman attended the Shaare Zedek Medical Center Gala Event in New York City.

For more than a century, in Jerusalem, a 500-bed facility located in the center of the city, has been known as the Hospital with a Heart. Patients have consistently streamed to our hospital, seeking top level treatment in a compassionate, supportive and nurturing environment. Today, Shaare Zedek is the most exceptional hospital for health care treatment in Israel. Shaare Zedek has taken its commitment to its patients to the next level by providing industry leading, cutting-edge medical care.

Shaare Zedek first opened its doors as a 20-bed facility on Jaffa Road in 1902 with Dr. Moshe Wallach serving as the Medical Director for the first 46 years. In 1979, now a thriving and esteemed medical facility, the hospital moved to a more central location, a 14-acre site opposite Mt. Herzl. To fully ensure the safety of its patients, the first three stories of the ten-floor complex, housing vital areas such as the operating theaters, Emergency Room, Pharmacy and medical supplies, were built underground, so that even in times of military attack, the hospital can continue to function.

Shaare Zedek is a public non-profit hospital with 40,000 admissions, 125,000 outpatient visits and 60,000 Emergency visits annually.

Their departments gained international acclaim, the spectrum of treated ailments and diseases has become as vast as the diversity of the population we treat. Shaare Zedek staff of more than 2000 employees is made up of the most highly acclaimed and sought after physicians, nurses and medical professionals in their respective fields.

From the most advanced procedures in Laparoscopic Surgery to the latest technology in robotics, from the treating of victims of terror and IDF soldiers, to expectant mothers needing advanced prenatal care; from seniors with tragic illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease, to cancer patients fighting for their lives, we provide a full range of services at the highest level to every patient who walks through our doors.

Like all other hospitals in Jerusalem, Shaare Zedek does not receive ANY funding from the Israeli government and therefore they rely on the generosity of their friends and family from around the world to help them to continue to provide the healthcare experience our patients have come to expect.

In this episode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman attended the Friends of The Israeli Defense Force event in New York City.

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors to provide for the wellbeing of the men and women who serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as well as the families of fallen soldiers. Headquartered in New York City, FIDF is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation that operates 13 regional offices in the United States and one office in Latin America.

The strength of the IDF, which has been guarding the State of Israel since it declared independence in 1948, derives from the selfless determination and great capabilities of the young men and women who form it. At the tender age of 18, all Israelis are drafted into the IDF. Those who serve commit to uphold the difficult tasks of defending Israel’s borders and guaranteeing the safety of its people.

The Israeli government is responsible for training IDF soldiers and providing them with the necessary tools for their service. FIDF is committed to providing these soldiers with love, support, and care in an effort to ease the burden they carry on behalf of the Jewish community worldwide.

In this episode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman attended Chabbad’s Children of Chernobyl Event.

The members of the CCOC office are asked to spell Chernobyl dozens of times each day by people scattered throughout America. . In 1986, a nuclear reactor blew up. People died instantly, the government announced that the radioactive debris falling was actually snow, and cancer rates and birth defects skyrocketed; and yet, people are still asking how to spell Chernobyl.

In that same year, 1990, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, stood up for the children who could neither physically nor financially stand for themselves. He called upon a group of his students to establish Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl (CCOC).

This group united in one paramount goal that has not been altered— to rescue the children of Chernobyl, bring them to Israel permanently, and to care for them fully once they began their new chapters of life. From a humanitarian perspective, the process is simple. From a legal perspective, it is a constant battle. The bureaucratic red tape in the former Soviet Union is as difficult to penetrate as the iron bars of a jail cell; but, the CCOC staff and supporters have worked tirelessly and against huge odds to guarantee the children’s safety. CCOC is the only organization in the world to bring children out of the contaminated areas permanently.

Temporary “cleansing vacations” from the contaminated region help to an extent, but permanent evacuation is the only option for the most complete recoveries. CCOC understands that there are also children who cannot or will not leave the Chernobyl region for a variety of reasons; medicine, medical equipment, therapeutic aids, and other needed items are airlifted into the contaminated areas to help those who remain there. Additionally, CCOC has trained local physicians to specialize in radiation-induced illnesses and has built a mammography clinic to help combat the artificially high rates of breast cancer in the area.

Today, the situation in Chernobyl has worsened. The sarcophagus built around the reactor to confine the radioactivity is cracking under pressure; the whole structure can tumble if the cracks continue to grow. If this scenario occurs the result will be more destructive than the original meltdown in 1986. The fractures are hazardous in and of themselves as they have allowed rainwater to seep in, which allows the semi confined contamination to enter the drinking water when the rainwater flows out. And yet, people are still asking how to spell Chernobyl. Radiation lurks in the drinking water, the soil, the cattle, the milk, the food and the air; the longer the children remain in this radioactive environment, the longer this cycle is pushed forward.

In this epsidode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman attended the AJWS Global Circle Event.

AJWS is the only Jewish organization working to promote human rights through grassroots development in the most marginalized communities around the world. We believe that local organizations know what’s best for their own communities, and so we support their work to fight poverty, hunger and disease from the ground up.

Global Circle is the community of young professionals who support American Jewish World Service (AJWS).

There are thousands of ways to make a difference in the world, so why be a part of Global Circle?

Great cause. AJWS is recognized as one of the most reputable and effective charitable organizations today, working to alleviate poverty, hunger, and disease in the developing world. Global Circle exists to ensure that AJWS continues to grow for decades to come and for as long as the world needs us.

Great events. From backstage tickets to Broadway hits, to meeting and learning from AJWS grantees, to intimate discussions with New York Times columnists, to laid-back happy hour gatherings, Global Circle has amazing events year-round in New York, D.C. and beyond.

Great people. Global Circle is comprised of young Jewish professionals from the finance, media, medicine, law, nonprofit, and arts sectors. It’s a great way to meet people who are passionate about making a difference.

In this episode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman talks to the attendees of the Beit Issie Shapiro Event in Manhattan. During this episode, Aaron spoke with:

Beit Issie Shapiro is a national, multi-purpose organization that develops and provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. It has played a leading role in promoting the inclusion of people with special needs in society and is a vigilant advocate for better legal provisions for and with people with special needs.

The organization was founded in 1980 and has a measurable impact on some 30,000 people, annually. Through its international affiliations, community education and training programs its impact is also reaching professionals in other countries around the world.

In this epsidode, Aaron “The Schmoz” Herman talks to a number of people at the Jewish Hearts for Israel event in New York City.

Jewish Heart For Africa is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that brings sustainable israeli technologies to african villages. our mission is to save african lives with Israeli innovation, all while supporting israel’s economy and image abroad. founded in 2008, in less than three years jewish heart for africa has provided light, clean water, food and proper medical care to more than 150,000 people in ethiopia, tanzania, malawi and uganda.