I grew up in the suburbs of New York City. While much of what was on inside of my house was similar to my American neighbors, my father, who was born in Israel- wanted to pass onto me me the Jewish values he was raised with. He spoke to me only in Hebrew, sent me to Jewish Day School, and celebrated the Jewish holidays and customs. From a young age, I had an awareness of a world beyond the street I lived on. I was instilled with the belief the world was in need of repair, and