Eytan Saenger, at The Blogs

Dec 30, 2024, 6:32 PM

Together we can illuminate the darkness: Acheinu and Chanukah

Thousands gather for menorah lighting: Photo by Jason Zucker

Over the last 15 months, many songs have become popular in various Jewish circles, each echoing themes of strength, resilience, and perseverance. But few have been more steadily prominent and relevant than Acheinu. The melody which has become universally known, was...

Oct 15, 2024, 8:37 PM

Leave a Wall Open: Sukkot and Cultivating a Welcoming Community

An Israeli family sitting in a sukkah during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Photo by Yossi Aloni/Flash90

As the leaves begin to change colors and the Jewish holiday season is well underway, Sukkahs begin to be built by Jewish communities and people across the globe. During this time of putting up physical walls, it is also an...

Sep 4, 2024, 10:55 PM

An Image Stuck in My Head: A meaningful moment with Rachel and Jon

Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin speak to a group of girls outside the White House in May

Since the horrific news of the murder of 6 hostages broke after this past Shabbat, there has been a sense of collective grief and anguish amongst Jews around the world, which I have felt deeply. Countless minutes have been...

Aug 12, 2024, 8:22 AM

Mourning for a day following a year of mourning: Tisha Ba’av in 2024

Tisha Ba'av, which we observe annually in the summer, is described as the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. Yet, this year's day of mourning feels much different and difficult in the aftermath of October 7th and the challenging...

Dec 13, 2023, 8:22 AM

Harnessing the Moments of Light to Guide Us forward

These days, every Jewish gathering, sermon, or event seems to begin with an acknowledgment of the ongoing conflict in Israel and the increased hardships of being a Jew around the world. Make no mistake, we find ourselves in trying times,...

Sep 14, 2023, 6:30 AM

Don’t just casually say sorry, focus on changing in the future

My bad. Sorry. That’s on me. My apologies. I struggle to think of a day or even a mere hour where I didn’t hear or say one of these phrases, multiple times. I feel myself constantly apologizing to others or...

Jul 26, 2023, 3:49 PM

Reflecting on Forced Mourning and the Relevant Messages of Tisha B’Av

Tisha Ba'av, Credit:(Adobe Stock images)

Imagine being told that you lost a treasure that promises to fulfill all your dreams, yet you never had the chance to see it for yourself, and you're unsure if it's truly what you desired. Tisha B'av, which commences...

May 25, 2023, 12:23 AM

As we celebrate Shavout, let us adopt a ‘Megilat Ruth Mindset’

As the sun sets on Thursday night, the holiday of Shavuot commences, marking the third of the Shalosh Regalim (pilgrimage festivals). It is traditionally celebrated with Jewish learning, commemorating the receiving of the Torah. Additionally, on this holiday, the...

Apr 4, 2023, 7:49 PM

Healing the world with ‘active kindness’

I like to believe that most people in the greater Jewish community and the world have good intentions in their hearts and would help others if asked. However, I believe that the mindset that Judaism teaches us and advocates...

Mar 6, 2023, 3:54 PM

Let us not Become Accustomed to our Costumes

“What are you dressing up as for Purim?” In the lead-up to Purim, this question can be frequently heard in Jewish settings.This fascinating holiday tradition brings joy and excitement to all those who celebrate, old and young. There is...

About Me

Eytan Saenger is a student at Binghamton University. He previously spent a year at Yeshivat Orayta in Jerusalem, and graduated SAR High School in Riverdale, NY where he is from. Eytan has had a podcast, written articles, and interviewed people related to politics and Judaism and has a weekly parsha insights chat. He has also previously interned for the American Jewish Committee(AJC) and Congressman Ritchie Torres and has served as a counselor at camp Yavneh. Eytan is active in the vibrant Binghamton Jewish community.

Contact Me