Hebrew Public’s Post

In times of conflict and uncertainty, hope becomes a vital force for change. At the Hebrew University, hope isn’t just an abstract idea but a tool for action. HU's community fosters meaningful dialogue, inclusivity, and social mobility—transforming hope into tangible change. Learn how HU's leaders and faculty are harnessing hope to drive progress toward a more tolerant and united society. https://bit.ly/3NyQX7y

Read how some general studies teachers are becoming Jewish studies teachers...

Today is the 23rd anniversary of September 11th, a day that holds significance for so many. Today, we remember the lives lost, the survivors, and their families. On a personal level, this is an emotional day for me & many in my generation whose lens on the world shifted forever. Sharing an oped that Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher and I wrote last year for Chalkbeat that focuses on the importance of teaching about the long-term impact of 9/11, specifically on Muslim, Arab, and South Asian communities, to Gen Z audiences in particular: https://lnkd.in/eBPRWMwu

"Today we highlight and celebrate our Young African Library Leaders 2022 fellow, Rasack Ramadhani, a budding librarian from Tanzania who joined the fellowship with seeking to expand his knowledge and context of the library ecosystem. He graduated from the Young African Library Leaders Fellowship 2022 well exposed to librarianship through our capstone project which is a prerequisite for graduation. He also states that the fellowship broadened his perspective wholistically as a librarian in Africa. Read his review below. #YALLFStory"

The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School: Asian American Edition helps teens see the difference knowing Jesus makes in facing their unique challenges with identity, culture, and family. These testimonies of growing up Asian American include struggles with belonging, performance issues, fear of failure, living in an honor/shame culture, immigrant parents, eating disorders, sexual assault, and adoption. Learn more and save 35% off single copies, 40% off 5-packs, and 45% off 10-packs through 10/8/24 at https://buff.ly/3N8TtRJ.

My time with Seeds of Peace (when I was technically still a "youth" myself) had a profound impact on my personal and professional path. Nearly 20 years later, the difficult and important conversations I had with Seeds, with colleagues, and with early mentors (like Timothy(Tim)P. Wilson), and the friendships that formed because of that work, continue to be an anchor. As one friend put it, "Comment sections are easy, the real work of human connection is hard but also, everything". Sharing a story by Voice of America's "Straight Talk Africa" on Seeds of Peace that explores these themes: https://lnkd.in/eE34cZ6P

A few days ago, Hans Galland commented “Ubuntu” regarding my post about another African proverb. It brought much reflection on Ubuntu and how strong that word is and I opted to expand on it here. Ubuntu to me is a word that carries magic, it brings me peace in its reflection. It has common meanings include: “I am a person through other people. My humanity is tied to yours.” “I am, because you are.” “Humanity towards others.” "human generosity" as well as "humanity" In the above meanings when referencing people, it refers not only to living human beings but, also ancestors and children that have not yet been born. Without writing a very long post the interpretation of this is that in a single word – Ubuntu - means that my actions, compassion, kindness, dignity, anything I do wrong, etc. are all tied to my family that have come before me, are currently alive and have yet to come. Ubuntu has many other meanings depending upon the specific language and culture. It's a word that carries some magic. 

"... for the sake of contextualizing Med-Lemon’s advert, let’s position indigenous African spirituality as a framework through which Africans see, become, navigate and understand themselves and life. The indumba is then one of many sites within African spirituality where this seeing, becoming, navigating and understanding takes place." Let's talk about Med-Lemon!

In Africa, "Ubuntu" is a Nguni Bantu term that can be translated as "humanity" or "human kindness." It is a philosophical concept emphasizing communal relationships and interconnectedness, often encapsulated by the phrase "I am because we are." The term reflects a belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. Here are key aspects of the Ubuntu philosophy: 1. Community and Togetherness: Ubuntu stresses the importance of community, relationships, and mutual support. It suggests that an individual's well-being and identity are inextricably linked to the well-being and identity of the community. 2. Compassion and Empathy: It encourages treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect. Ubuntu promotes the idea that one's humanity is enhanced through caring for others. 3. Collective Responsibility: The philosophy highlights shared responsibility and the idea that the community's success and failures are the responsibility of all its members. 4. Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Ubuntu has played a significant role in post-apartheid South Africa, particularly in the context of reconciliation and nation-building. It was a guiding principle for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 5. Inclusivity: The concept is inclusive and anti-discriminatory, embracing diversity and rejecting any form of exclusion. Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu have been prominent proponents of Ubuntu, emphasizing its role in fostering peace and unity in society. Ubuntu has also influenced various aspects of African governance, social policies, and community practices. How will our lives change if we started treating ourselves and others under this mantra “ I am because we are.”

"I am, because we are" is my new outlook on life. It is a profound African philosophy known as Ubuntu, which emphasises our interconnectedness and shared humanity. It means that we cannot exist as isolated individuals, but rather our sense of self and identity is shaped by our relationships and connections with others. It rejects the Western notion of individualism, instead viewing personhood as fundamentally rooted in community and interdependence. The idea is that we become fully human through our bonds and interactions with other people - our humanity is nurtured and fostered by recognising our common bonds and building consensus for the greater good of the community. Ubuntu promotes empathy, trust, and the belief that we have a moral obligation to care for others, even before ourselves. It sees society and human connectedness as the cradle of our personhood, not just an afterthought.