-
Born
I was born in Evanston, IL and my parents and I lived in Chicago's Lincoln Park until December, 1987, when we moved to Cleveland. Here I am at 5 days old with my grandpa Herb. -
Baby Naming
My first time at synagogue, Temple Sholom in Chicago. According to my parents, a woman named Cookie, an employee at the temple, helped my parents pick my Hebrew name, Ariella Yonina. -
Consecration
At Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood, OH, Consecration, a ceremony to mark the beginnig of students' Jewish education, occurs at Simchat Torah Morning services. Boys wear white shirts,black pants, and little bow ties. Girls wear white dresses-my mom, who is an amazing seamstress, made my dress. Students also carry mini Torahs, with covers decorated by students and their parents at a family education program a few weeks before Simchat Torah. I still have both! -
Led a Shiva Minyan for the first time
My Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Paul weren't actually my aunt and uncle, but were like another set of grandparents to me. They did not belong to a synagogue and were not particularly observant. When their daughter Jenny died in a car accident, they asked my dad to lead the minyan during shiva. My dad was unavailable one of the nights, so, at age 12, I volunteered to lead it. -
Bat Mitzvah
A very special day! It was Parshat Mishpatim. Not to toot my own horn, but my D'var Torah did not leave a dry eye in the sanctuary. I discussed the laws of slavery, which I noticed came curiously just after the Israelites themselves had escaped slavery. I compared the commandments for humane treatment of slaves to my grandfather's own escape from a concentration camp due to a guard's decision to let him escape. -
Eigth Grade English with Mr. Hutch
Mr. Eric Hutchinson, or Mr. Hutch as we all called him, was my eigth-grade English teacher. He was young, he was cool, and every student at Shaker Heights Middle School wanted to be in his class. Mr. Hutch explained to us on the first day of school that he did not teach English. Instead, he said that he taught English/Life Skills. His motto was "Be the Best." I adored him.
Here I am pictured with Mr. Hutch and my best friend Courtney on the last day of eigth grade. -
First trip to Israel
I travelled to Israel for the first time in the summer of 2000 on NFTY's L'Dor V'Dor trip. For the first week, we travelled to the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, learning about the Jewish communitites that once flourished there and about the effects of the Holocaust on these communitities. I have family roots in all three of those countries, so it was especially special for me. We then went on the Israel for 4 weeks. What an awesome time! -
Confirmation
Confirmation, held on Shavuot. I read Torah that morning. After my Bat Mitzvah, it was one of the first times I remember people coming up to me after complimenting me on my voice and saying I would make a great cantor some day. I'm pictured with two of my friends since elementary school. Courtney, on the left (with the gorgeous red hair), is still my best friend. -
Started Northwestern University
I made the decision I wanted to go to Northwestern when I was 12. See what a little determination can do! -
First got involved with the Jewish Theatre Ensemble
JTE was a major part of my life at Northwestern. I worked on several productions my freshman year and sat on the executive board my sophomore, junior, and senior years. Over the years I was involved, we produced shows such as Cabaret, Children of Eden, A Bright Room Called Day, and The American Plan. -
Hillel ASB Trip to Uruguay
I was one of the student leaders for a Hillel-sponsored service trip to work with the Jewish community of Uruguay. -
Hillel ASB Trip to Cuba
I was one of the student leaders for a Hillel-sponsored service trip to work with the Jewish community of Cuba. -
Graduated from Northwestern University
I bleed Purple! Go Wildcats! -
Moved to Chicago
I was born in Chicago and went to college just north of the city, but the day I moved into my first apartment in Lakeview was a very special moment. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Chicago. The food, the culture, the sports, the architecture. The day I left to move to Boston I think I cried about half way across Indiana. (This picture is a more recent snapshot...you can tell by a certain additon to the skyline, built by a certain presidental candidate...) -
Decided to become a Cantor
On Erev Yom Kippur, I made the decision I wanted to be a cantor. I had been thinking about it for a while, but it was that night, specifically during Hashkiveinu, that I decided this is what I was meant to do. This is the English translation in the machzor the inspired me. -
First Date with Josh
I met the nice, Jewish boy I'd always been looking for. We have been living apart now for over three years since I started cantorial school. Long distance is hard, but we've made it work. I love him to the moon and back! -
Second Trip to Israel
On my second trip to Israel, I staffed a Birthright trip. It was a special experience seeing the participants discover Israel for the first time. -
Started Hebrew College
And away we go! -
Started Teaching at Temple Shir Tikva
My first time teaching... ever! I had no idea what I was doing and the kids were challenging at first, but I eventually found my footing. I love these kids!
