<p>Dogo123:
I’m not familiar enough with UNew Hampshire, but I have heard that Keene State College in NH has a Holocaust Studies program? I think? and that maybe they have a Jewish Studies program too. If so, then maybe their Jewish student count may be higher if people are drawn to the school for those reasons. Can’t hurt to look or ask that school if you are interested…if you do any research on either school, can you report your findings back here? Thanks…
Also, I guess you may already know that the Jewish population of UVermont is substantial, but it is an expensive state school oos. The Jewish populations for UConn and UMass are also pretty substantial and seem to be less expensive oos than Vermont.</p>
<p>Quick Jewish not college related question. </p>
<p>I was at a meeting yesterday where the leader wanted to plan an educational program the night of Oct 9 that he thought Jewish people in the community may wish to attend. This guy has one amazing calander because when he checked it, it said that the 9th was Simchat torah. (His prununciation of this was undistinguishable to me until he spelled it:)) I, as the only Jew in the group, was the only one who knew what he was talking about. My immediate thought was that this is a minor holiday and probably would not be a conflict. As it turns out Simchat Torah actually starts sundown on the 8th and ends sundown on the 9th. I told him I thought the meeting on the 9th would be fine but that I would do some research to be sure. I thought it was amazing that he was asking and I surely didn’t want to steer him wrong. After some thought it occurs to me that probably the 8th would be bad timing but the 9th is fine. So, my Jewish friends, what do you think, would a meeting scheduled on Oct 9th present a confict to any Simchat Torah celebration or observance?</p>
<p>Nighttime on the 9th is fine. Simchat Torah is Yom Tov so if you’re observant, the 9th would not work (same rules as Shabbat re travel, work, etc.) during the day. It’s also a big celebratory day at Synagogue.</p>
<p>The talk in our community is that UNH is not known as a school that attracts a Jewish population. I know a girl who graduated this year from there (Jewish, but non-Jewish father), and grew up socializing with non-Jewish friends. When I’ve asked around regarding adding this school to my S’s list, the general response is that it is not really a fit for a Jewish kid looking for something of a Jewish community. For this reason it is not on my S’s list. (Given its proximity to us (Boston), and we come from a large Jewish community, I feel it would be very popular around here , therefore I believe this is a fair assumption).</p>
<p>However, it obviously depends upon how important Jewish life is to you and your family. I am simply trying to offer what I have heard regarding this.</p>
<p>On another note - very disturbing lisztserve. Unfortunate reality.</p>
<p>Yes, lisztserve’s post is upsetting. I did post earlier on this thread about one of my son’s friends discussing anti Israel information with us. An acquaintance also posted this type of material on my FB wall a while back. There really is a lot of inaccurate information being presented on colleges these days and it is very disturbing. I am not upset about people discussing both sides of the situation, but some kids seem to be taking propaganda as truth without questioning. I hope the Jewish organizations can promote more accurate information.</p>
<p>Regarding anti Israel sentiment on campuses there is an organization [The</a> David Project > Educating Voices for Israel](<a href=“http://www.thedavidproject.org/]The”>http://www.thedavidproject.org/) that is working to correct the inaccurate information that is spread on campuses. I know one of the people involved in this organization and hopefully it will have positive results.</p>
<p>D2 graduated last night to mixed emotions. While I am so proud of her and her accomplishments, I am sad to see my last one leave home. We are going to Orientation on Monday and Tuesday, and then a typical summer with a last hurrah famiily trip in July. Congratulations to all of the 2012 graduates and good luck to the kids and to the parents.</p>
<p>Re: Simchas Torah
I think as a practical matter, having a meeting on the evening of the 9th is probably okay, especially if starting after sundown.
As a matter of courtesy and goodwill in the community, perhaps a different day is better.</p>
<p>Congrats to Itlliz’s D and all the other graduates. </p>
<p>Itlliz, it is a big adjustment when the last one leaves home, but it’s not as hard when your kids are happy and thriving. Enjoy orientation and your family trip.</p>
<p>Itlliz, there are several of us sending our last at home off this fall. I know from when my first one left Momjr is right it isn’t as hard" when your kids are happy and thriving." So lets toast our kids for a happy, healthy, successful year and cry on each other’s virtual shoulders if needed.</p>
<p>Thank you College43 and Quakerstake for your help with the Simchat Torah question! I was really amazed that the leader of this group even put the holiday on his radar!</p>
<p>Just checking in to say hello and ask a question- DS is going on Birthright in August. Have things settled down a bit over there? I feel like a nervous Nellie.</p>
<p>jym, it’s as safe a time as any. He’ll have a fabulous trip.</p>
<p>I was rattled enough by the saber rattling of a few months ago to actually buy trip insurance for D2, who is about to leave for a summer Eastern Europe/Israel trip. The spouse heard how much I paid for insurance and said I was nuts. My feeling is that by laying out the bucks for the insurance, I was guaranteeing that it would be a waste of money. Which means that by investing a few hundred bucks, I was able to preserve peace in the Middle East. :D</p>
<p>DD went on Poland/Israel trip last last summer and had the time of her life. The trip was very well run and organized. The kids are kept safe and sound. I too bought trip insurance last summer and of course I did not have to use it. We also made arrangements for her to get a cell phone through the organization that she went with and she called us often, worked out well.</p>
<p>SlitheyTove your D will have a wonderful time!!</p>
<p>ST, thanks for shelling out the bucks to help preserve peace. My D2 is going on a Birthright trip in July. I was nervous when she signed up, but things have been quiet lately. It’s great that so many of our kids are getting the chance to go this summer.</p>