Writings by Bronfman Bogrim & Amitim

Picture of Maor Albeck.

Maor Albeck (Amitei Bronfman ’06)

Posted on May 23, 2025

“Because I’m committed both to freedom of marriage and to change from within the halakha, my responsibility to offer solutions is greater. And I have faith in the halakha’s ability to offer solutions.” I’m Maor (Amitei Bronfman 2006). Originally from Ma’ale Adumim, I live in Tel Aviv with my partner Guy and our sons, Meishar Continue Reading »

Picture of Joe Yossi Fendel.

Joe (Yossi) Fendel ’90

Posted on May 16, 2025

“…I’d rather model what it looks like to live in a home that loves Judaism, loves learning, and loves each other. And trust that’s enough.” I’m Joe (Yossi) Fendel, and I was a Bronfman Fellow in 1990. I was born in Berkeley, California, and have lived here most of my life. I’m a mathematician by Continue Reading »

Picture of Ariel Gino.

Ariel Gino (Amitei Bronfman ’01)

Posted on May 9, 2025

“I made a deliberate choice: for me, the front line of this war was with my students.” My name is Ariel Gino, Amitim 2001. I live in Jerusalem with my wife, Maya, and our five children. For the past six years, I’ve directed the evening boys’ program at Ma’ale High School, an alternative framework for Continue Reading »

Photo of Zer Vaknin and her child.

Zer Vaknin (Amitei Bronfman ’13)

Posted on May 2, 2025

“…what’s kept me going lately are the Bronfman alumni gatherings. So many thoughtful, critical, and sensitive people who remind me that we’re still here, in the chaos, together.” I am Zer Vaknin. I was an Amita in 2013 and a mancha (facilitator) in 2020–2022. I live in Haifa with my partner Amir and our son Continue Reading »

Picture of Eli Buchdahl.

Eli Buchdahl ’19

Posted on April 25, 2025

“The key question is: how much grace do you grant that person, and how much trust do you place in them?” I’m Eli Buchdahl, Bronfman Fellow 2019. I’m a senior in college, studying Humanities, which some might consider a “fake” major. It’s for people who haven’t quite made up their minds and want to explore Continue Reading »

Picture of a young woman in a white shirt.

Maayan Rosenfield ’17

Posted on March 28, 2025

“…what’s become clear to me now is that if I show up in liberal spaces, I want to bring my Jewish identity with me.” I’m Maayan, Bronfman Fellow 2017. I work in healthcare policy, consulting for state Medicaid, the U.S. public health insurance program for low-income individuals. I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Showing Up with Continue Reading »

Tomer Gertel picture

Tomer Gertel (Amitei Bronfman ‘20)

Posted on February 11, 2025

Post for Tu B’shvat (New Year of the Trees)  My name is Tomer Gertel, Amitim 2020. I live in Meitar, in the Negev. I manage Government Relations and Policy at Green Course, one of Israel’s largest environmental organizations. We address a wide range of issues, including climate change, energy, air pollution, and waste—many of which Continue Reading »

Neta polizer picture

Neta Polizer (Amitei Bronfman ’05)

Posted on February 7, 2025

“What we’re dealing with now is a struggle to preserve our humanity.” I’m Neta, Amitim 2005. I’m a father of two children, living in Jerusalem, originally from northern Israel. I am the director of Israeli programs at Encounter, which is a Jewish educational organization promoting non-partisan, courageous leadership focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Choosing to be Continue Reading »

Picture of Tili Fisher Yosef, a young woman with wavy blond hair.

Tili Fisher Yosef (Amitei Bronfman ’04)

Posted on February 2, 2025

“If there’s one place that consistently preserves optimism and hope for coexistence, it’s the health clinics and hospitals.” I’m Tili Fisher Yosef, Amitim 2004. Married with 3 kids. I am a primary care specialist and a board member at the Briah Foundation, which promotes women’s health. I host a podcast and television programs focused on making Continue Reading »

Picture of Poli Sharonov with two young children.

Poli Sharonov (Amitei Bronfman ’03)

Posted on January 24, 2025

“It took time for me to realize that, now, I am the matryoshka.” My name is Poli, Amitim 2003. I live in Haifa and I’m a graphic designer. I’m a mother to Naomi (4 years old) and Nevo (a year and 8 months old) and I have an amazing partner named Itai.   I was Continue Reading »