Jodi Samuels, at The Blogs

Jodi Samuels

Author, Connector, Speaker, Advocate

Sep 26, 2023, 12:06 PM

The emotions of the day
Photo credit: Times of Israel

Tel Aviv hosts Pride parades, Muslim gender-segregated prayers and so much that makes the city diverse -- the tolerance ends with anything religiously Jewish

Jan 26, 2023, 1:34 PM

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Women as second-class citizens

I worked for Aish and I respect its goals, but the ad for its 'Inspire' program promotes men, diminishes women, and suggests the organization has lost its way

Oct 25, 2022, 12:00 AM

The Inclusion Challenge

Yafa and Caila at school.
Photo Credit: Samuels Family

Now that the holidays are behind us, life is starting to fit into some sort of routine -- something even more crucial for a special needs family. Parents of children with disabilities have the added stress of figuring out how...

Feb 3, 2022, 9:39 PM

Is ‘good’ good enough?

“What is difficult about having Down syndrome?” I asked my 13-year-old daughter, Caila. Without missing a beat, she replied, “That I have to always think fast.” I was impressed with her extraordinary self-insight and how quickly she responded. So...

Sep 30, 2021, 3:11 PM

Real inclusion

Caila presented me with her results of her sixth grade math test. Wow 93% and a comment from the teacher “kol hakavod” meaning “well done”. Caila was beaming! I gave her a big hug and then I went to...

Dec 8, 2020, 7:26 AM

Inclusion Isn’t Easy, But It Is Right

We all want our children to reach for the stars. But should these expectations change when we have a child who is born with special needs or disabilities? This was something I had to grapple with as my world came...

Aug 20, 2020, 7:53 PM

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The stranger among us

How to fight cruelty to vulnerable people: First, pay attention. Then, go get their money back from the loan sharks and pawnbrokers

Jun 25, 2020, 8:35 PM

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Rights vs. responsibilities

The US with its focus on individuals' rights could take a lesson from Israel's book, in which life itself is the priority and young people are busy defending the country

Jun 11, 2020, 7:21 PM

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Real change begins with friendship

Invite the 'other' into your home, and you will break down stereotypes and come to live united - just ask my Jamaican friend Susie about her Orthodox Jewish bridesmaid

About Me

Jodi Samuels is an author, connector, speaker, non-profit leader, world traveler, community activist, special needs advocate, wife and mom. Jodi founded Jewish International Connection in order to provide community for foreign Jews in New York, and now also runs outreaches in Israel. Jodi, her husband Gavin and their three children currently live in Jerusalem where they host hundreds of people every month for Shabbat meals and events in their home. She is the author of Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine: Journey of an Unstoppable Woman. For more information or to book speaking engagements, see www.jodisvoice.com

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