Yedid Nefesh (Powered by Yavneh) Was Born
I was very fortunate to go on Summer in Jerusalem (SIJ), an OUJLIC summer program, in 2021. Internships during the day, learning at night, all in Israel. It was an incredible experience, and that was where Yedid Nefesh was born.
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I started Yedid Nefesh as a column in the weekly newsletter for SIJ and Ascend, both OUJLIC summer programs. With the support of the incredible staff and my new friends, I was able to test the waters and develop my idea further. And I'm so glad I did, because it got me here, to the point where I can share it with all of you.
I highly recommend reading a few of the articles, linked here. I hope they inspire you as they did me.
- Shoshana Berger, Editor -in-Chief
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Name Inspiration
One Shabbat in seminary, I spoke during the third meal about the poem "Yedid Nefesh." Many of us sing it in synagogue on Friday night and during the third meal. It is a beautiful poem about the love between the individual and God. The words "yedid nefesh" translate literally to "lover of my soul." Given the content of this poem, I thought it would make a perfect name for a publication that is about our relationship with God.
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My speech was based on a class given by Rabbi Alan Haber at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY) that I found on YUTorah. If you are interested in listening to it, click here.
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- Shoshana Berger, Editor-in-Chief