Rabbi Joanna Samuels recently wrote a blog post for The Forward that highlighted something unexpected about one of JTS's upcoming events: they are planning an "evening of fashion and passion" that will be hosted by Israeli Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Esti Ginzburg. The event is being advertised as an opportunity for people to "get a sense of the incredible variety of Jewish engagement opportunities in New York -- and to party with hundreds of other professional, active, vibrant, young Jews." Definitely not par for course as far as JTS events are concerned, and Rabbi Samuels asks: Why is a swimsuit model headlining it? If anything, an institution that trains clergy should stay away from swimsuit models.

Esti will not be wearing a swimsuit during the event, which will be part fashion show, part learning session. First, models will walk the runway wearing the clothes of three Israeli fashion designers, and then people will be invited to learn more about the various Jewish organizations in attendance - what they do in the community and how people can get involved.

Commenters on Rabbi Samuels' post have had mixed reactions to this event. Some see nothing wrong with it, pointing out that Esti is a Jewish woman who just happens to model swimsuits for a living. "You are completely defining her by her job," remarked one commenter, "If she wants to get involved in Jewish life and use her celebrity power to attract other Jews to Jewish events then I think that is great." Others remarked that this event illustrates just how desperate Jewish education is to bring people into the fold.

As a JTS alum myself I was surprised by this combination of fashion and learning, but honestly, it doesn't bother me. Educators are always looking for ways to tap into interests people already have, all in the hopes of helping them connect with other Jews and with their heritage as a whole. If an Israeli fashion show sponsored by Jewish organizations brings people together and helps them learn about the great work being done in the community - why not?

What are your thoughts?

Image via Getty Images / Photo by Joe Kohen

Because I just can't resist sharing two humorous bits that crossed my path this week:

• Check out this YouTube video by Jewish doctor Mache Seibel, who raps about "Five Tips to Avoid H1N1 Flu." Doctors weren't this hip when I was in grade school. [via Tablet]
• For the men on your Chanukah shopping list, this Scandinavian Beard Cap might be just the thing for chilly winter outings. [via Jewlicious]

I know, I know. Neither of these are "serious" - but a little lightheartedness never hurts!

For the past 3 months the Jewish Community Heroes campaign has been highlighting the efforts of North American Jews who are committed to affecting their communities in positive ways - whether by encouraging people to volunteer, supporting children with special needs or helping Jewish immigrants. The campaign aims to celebrate the "selflessness and courage of those who put others before themselves" and after weeks of voting five finalists have been selected. The winner will be announced at the General Assembly that's taking place in Washington D.C. in a few days, where he or she will also receive $25,000 to fund their community projects. I love that this campaign is honoring everyday folks for devoting themselves to the greater good. Oh and another cool thing taking place at the GA? President Obama is speaking.

The five finalists are:

• Yonah Bookstein, who "is one of the reasons that thousands of Jews in the SoCal Area are proud to be Jewish on College Campuses, whether it be religiously, culturally, or politically."
• Ari Teman, who is the founder of JCorps and has inspired "thousands of young Jewish adults... into volunteering around the world."
• Devora Benjamin, who "dedicated her time and money to helping young Jewish people without parents or money have special and meaningful weddings."
• Shmuly Yanklowitz, who is the founder of the Orthodox social justice movement Uri L'Tzedek and has "helped lead the fight for greater transparency and ethical standards in the kosher food industry."
• Rabbi Levi Shemtov, who "together with his wife Bassie founded and run[s] the ever growing Friendship Circle, an International organization dedicated to Children with special needs and their families."

You can learn more about these finalists and also view videos about their projects by clicking on the links above.

In an effort to celebrate Halloween Hebrew style this year, Tablet Magazine asked comic book artist Mike Dubisch to create illustrations of the various beasts that appear in the Bible: Rahab, the sinister sea dragon; Samael, the dark archangel and demonic husband of Lilith; Melchiresa, a being so evil it is said to hang out with Satan himself; the mighty sea creature Leviathan; and the Nephilim, who were the children of human women and wayward angels. Dubisch's work is eye-catching and imaginative, proving that Dracula and Frankenstain have nothing on the monsters of biblical lore. You can view a slideshow of his work on Tablet's website, appropriately titled: Oy, There Be Monsters!. Each illustration is accompanied by a rundown of the mythical creature portrayed in the image, as well as citations for where it can be found in the Bible.