Tzipiyah.com

20 Responses to “Who are you?”

1. Dan Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 8:45 am

   I guess I should be first! I am Dan Illouz, the creator of Tzipiyah.com. I also blog here. I am from Montreal, on my way to Israel fairly soon. I'm 22. I created Tzipiyah.com in order to have a place where talented religious zionist writers could share their deep ideas. I personally feel religious zionism is the most powerful and relevant stream in Judaism today (although I respect everyone's own path), and therefore thought it was essential to use the successful blogging world in order to share these ideas which are, at this point of history, essential to Klal Israel's growth. My goal with this blog is simply to inspire people to a more passionate connection to Torah, Klal Israel, and Eretz Israel. It's also to showcase some talented young writers who share this attachment to religious zionism, and show their great thoughts and writings to as many people as possible. Now, your turn

2. Chavi Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 10:05 am

   Shalom! I'm nearly 25-year-old Chaviva E. (call me Chavi), and I'm originally from Nebraska. In the past few years I've lived in Washington D.C. and Chicago, and am moving in August to Connecticut where I'm pursuing a master's in Judaic studies, which hopefully will take me on to a PhD in the same subject. I'm an avid blogger (if only I could get paid to blog) about Jewish topics, among other things. In truth, I'm not sure how I found Tzipyah.com … though it might have been via Twitter? Or through another blog? The vast expanse of the interwebs leaves me confused at how I get from point A to point B most of the time! Since I'm a new reader (and since I've been pretty busy), I haven't had a chance to really dive into the blog, but I'll be sure to keep you updated on what I think.

3. Dan Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 10:21 am

   What's the link to your blog?

4. Zemer Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 10:28 am

   Hi! I'm Zemer. (A pseudonym) I'm one of the bloggers of Tzipiyah. I'm male, almost 21, making Aliyah in a very few days, which is incredibly exciting! I've dreamt of doing it for years, and to be finally packing up and going, living that dream, is stunning. I've really enjoyed contributing to Tzipiyah.com as a blogger, and I especially enjoy interactions with other bloggers or readers. Interactions via the comments are awesome, as they allow the topics discussed in the blog posts (and other topics) to be approached from lots of different angles and lots of different people, and they make the post not just something that one person wrote, but something that other people can touch, discuss, agree, disagree, etc. I think that there are some wonderful bloggers on our team, whose varying styles and angles I enjoy and admire. Dan Illouz rocks! I am searching for the 'klal' element of Judaism, which has lain dormant for hundreds of years, and which has begun to awaken, in different forms and with different faces… The 'Religious Zionist' approach to Judaism and to life is one that emphasises the klal, and the rejuvenation of the Nation of Israel in its many aspects, strata and facets. It's so exciting to see this present in so many of the posts on the site, and to see a vibrant, practical, relevant Judaism as lived and expressed by the bloggers (I try too!) One of the great things about the Jewish part of the blogosphere is that it really allows for the expression of personal, relevant, meaningful Judaism; not just doing everything because that's what you're supposed to do, not just imbibing and parroting ideologies and ideas, but really probing, exploring, trying things, feeling out how they are relevant to you as a person. I do see a fair amount of this here on Tzipiyah, which is great.

5. Chavi Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 10:32 am

   Oh, weird. I thought my name would link to it, but I guess not. How bizarre! it's http://mamaloshen.blogspot.com. “>http://mamaloshen.blogspot.com.

6. Eric Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 11:22 am

   I'm Eric. I am a 23 year old financial analyst in beautiful Denver, Colorado. I went on a Hasbara trip with Dan, and that is how I know about Tzipiyah. I also maintain a blog called The Israel Situation, which focuses on politics, culture, and life in Israel and the Middle East. Check it out at http://theisraelsituation.blogspot.com. “>http://theisraelsituation.blogspot.com. I think Tzipiyah is a great project, and I have been interested in watching the project grow and progress. I think Israel and the Jewish community around the world are linked, and Tzipiyah is a great way for young Zionists too see how Israel and Jewish beliefs tie together. Keep up the great work everyone!

7. DK Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 12:43 pm

   Thank God, Tzipiyah.com has over 100 unique users which come on the site daily. What's that, one for per every one of your bloggers?

8. Dan Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 1:14 pm

   Haha, good one. We're 15 bloggers, not 100. And I was talking about the 100 users I see coming back daily. We have much more unique hits. Anyways, to me, the number of hits is not a goal unto itself since we're not trying to make money. Rather, I'm pretty happy with the idea that 100 people come back here every single day for a dose of torah and to get inspired by the ideals we share over here. Sometimes I think - if I had an opportunity to give a shiur to 100 people each day, would I not take that opportunity? Of course I would! Well, here, the shiur is given in writting, not orally, but I still feel humbled and honored by the opportunity to share torah with all those people. To be honest, even if it was only 20 people, I would feel extremely humbled and honored. I'm sure I speak for every one of our 15 bloggers when I say this.

9. Kaley Says:
   July 9th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

   Hi everyone! I'm Kaley, one of the faithful tzipiyah.com bloggers. Right now I'm in Vancouver, my hometown, for the summer. I'm a barista at the Oak and 22nd Starbucks! Come and visit me, I'll give you extra whipped cream! In the fall I will be returning to my alma mater in Toronto, York University where I am studying Classical Studies, in which I hope to get my Ph.D with a focus n comparative ancient cultures and civilizations. Once I finish my undergrad I will be making aliyah, so Israel better come up with a Masters and Doctorate program before I get there! Anyways, I truly believe that the written word is the best form of emotional expression, save for prayers, and that tzipiyah.com is an avenue in which we can all connect, inspire, and dream. Thank you everyone for visiting, and have an amazing summer, wherever you are! V'shavu Banim Ligvulam, -Kaley

10. Chavi Says:
    July 9th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Ach! I love Denver. I interned at the Denver Post in the summer of 2005 and I was at my happiest and healthiest while there. Someday I'll end up back. I'll have to check out your blog, as well!

11. Gemma Says:
    July 10th, 2008 at 1:34 pm

    Hello. So I'm new here! My name's Gemma. I'm from Manchester, UK. I just returned from Midreshet Harova in the Old City of Yerushalyim. Missing Israel and its kedusha, I need somewhere to express my yearnings with other like-minded individuals who are far and few in this humble city of England, or at least from my experience. I MISS ISRAEL!!! Ahem, anyway I like the whole parsha question thing, and the chance to win a book voucher for seforim is highly appealing to me. Aside from that, it's a good initiative. Just one question, it says log in, but how do you get an account? I actually found this site from an advert on facebook. I was having a browse and alas! Something caught my eye advertising a religious zionist website, which was a very pleasant surprise from what is normally advertised. Well I hope to be around on this site and contribute!

12. Dan Says:
    July 10th, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    "which was a very pleasant surprise from what is normally advertised. " I hear that lol Well, welcome here and I hope to see you around. One of our original goals was to use this blog as a place for like minded people to stay connected and inspired even while they need to spend some time in chutz laaretz, away from like minded people. So, I hope it does that to you For the login, you can register simply by selecting "claim this comment" next time you comment. Then, you'll get an email with information on how to register. If you do not want to register, you can still post without the registration. It's still up to you! Welcome once again!

13. Gemma Says:
    July 10th, 2008 at 2:59 pm

    Yeah, I didn't mean to make my post sound like I'm after some "agony aunt" advice from a problem page or something - just thought I'd clarify that at the same time as claiming my comment, woohoo! But yeah, it really was cool too see these Israel flags over facebook. By the way, that livefeed on the side is very clever, and also quite scary. You can see how many times I obsessively (just joking!) come back to this page, because I'm probably one of the only ones from Manchester. And it even shows what we read.. clever stuff. Anywayyyy, thanks for the welcome… if I don't post again before, have a shabbat shalom!

14. Dan Says:
    July 10th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

    don't you worry lol it just says the page you enter in, not every page you visit. So, your privacy is completely safe.

15. Rivkah Says:
    July 10th, 2008 at 10:55 pm

    Rivkah here. I found your blog through reading another blog. I am sorry I don't remember which one right now. I have a passion for the truth about Israel, Zionism,and the Jewish People. Your blog is like a breath of fresh air and I am grateful for what you post here. Shabbat Shalom

16. Dan Says:
    July 10th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    Thanks Rivka for the nice comments! Nice to see you around!

17. Melissa Says:
    July 11th, 2008 at 5:32 am

    My name is Melissa and I'm from Philadelphia. I'm a college senior and I study history. I was raised in the Roman Catholic church and I am no longer practicing because spiritually I could not connect. When I was a senior in highschool, I was taught some early Jewish history and ever since I have been fascinated with Judaism and the practices. In college, I have focused my studies in Jewish history and this has been so rewarding for me. I also have a great respect and love for the country of Israel and I am planning on travelling there this coming spring. Currently, I am in a relationship with a Jewish guy and we hope to marry in a couple of years. We have already planned to raise a Jewish family. I saw a link for this blog on facebook and out of curiosity I followed it. I hope that through this I can learn more about Torah, Zionism, and Klal Israel. I think this blog is a great idea! Keep up the wonderful work!

18. Dan Says:
    July 11th, 2008 at 10:39 am

    Interesting story Melissa! I'm sure you know that according to Orthodox Jewish Law, intermarriage is not accepted between a non Jew and a Jew. Of course, there is the option of conversion but a real conversion comes from a person's willingness to become Jewish, not out of a willingness to be married :-). From your story, you seem to have truly connected to Judaism though, even without the marriage involved. Did you know all of these things? If you did, I would suggest speaking with a competent orthodox rabbi in order to ask of which options are available to you! Everyone's case and connection is different and you should really speak to someone, a qualified Orthodox Rabbi, who could help you deal with your specific case according to Jewish Law :-). Welcome to Tzipiyah.com

19. Cyril K. Says:
    July 13th, 2008 at 6:54 am

    My name is Cyril K. I am 35 and I live in Israel for 11 years. I am originally from France. I saw an ad for Tzipiyah on Facebook and clicked on it. Together with my wife, I created a website (http://www.IsraHelp.com) “>http://www.IsraHelp.com) and a corresponding non-profit organization whose purpose is to support Israel from abroad, starting from France. We offer a representation to Israeli non-profit organizations abroad, transfer 100% of the donations to the actual recipients (even in the case there were fees along the way, for example credit cart fees) and offer a tax exemption to the donor in his home country. We have many ideas to improve the concept, to internationalize it… but everything is difficult with very few volunteers. Today we reached a good proof of the concept as we raised and transfered at 100% about 2 millions Shekels in 3 years with no advertising budget. Good luck to Tzipiyah and to the whole People of Israel.

20. mhevener Says:
    July 18th, 2008 at 11:11 am

    I am aware of these particular laws, and I have considered discussing this with someone. Thank you for your kind advice and the attention given to your readers. Your blog is wonderful and insightful. Keep up the wonderful work!

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