6A NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
RELIGION
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009
Readings and dinner help celebrate Jewish holiday
Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel garners the attention of members of the KU Jewish community Monday night at Fatso's in downtown Lawrence for the reading of the Megilla. The gathering was in celebration of the Purim holiday.
BY DAVID UGARTE
dugarte@kansan.com
The Chabad Jewish Center in Lawrence will host a series of events today celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, executive director of the Chabad Jewish Center, said the story of Purim illustrated how Jews overcame a difficult time by being joyous. This traditional Jewish story of salvation is recorded on a scroll called the Megillah, which is handwritten in special ink. Events today include readings from this scroll, a Purim tradition.
Matthew Rissien, Overland Park senior, said he celebrated Purim in Israel last year and described it as a "giant state of partying." Two years ago, he celebrated at the University, and remembered the celebration was full of students dancing and partying.
WHAT: "Purim on the Go"
WHEN: Noon today
WHERE: Kansas Union 3rd floor, Alcove A
"I think it's one of the most fun holidays because everyone is so happy," Rissien said. "It's actually a commandment to be happy on Purim."
Tiechtel said the holiday was meant to encourage Jewish people to overcome challenges in life by having joy in their hearts.
"The universal message about the holiday is a message of joy," Tiechtel said.
The celebration began last night with a costume party open to all students held at Fatso's in downtown Lawrence.
For more information, visit www.jewishku.com/purim
A Megillah reading will be held on campus at noon today on the third level of the Kansas Union, Tiechtel said. Students can listen to the reading, called "Purim on the Go," and get food before going to classes. One of the traditional Jewish desserts served at the reading will be Hamentashen, a three-cornered triangle cookie with fruit filling.
The Chabad Jewish Center,
1203 W. 19th St., will then host a
celebration and dinner, Tiechtel said. The celebration is called "Purim under the Big Top" and will have a circus theme. It will include a barbecue dinner, cotton candy, popcorn and other treats. Tiechtel said all were welcome to join regardless of religious affiliation or background.
"Students have a lot of stress in life and the Purim celebration gives them an opportunity to relax," Tiechtel said.
Tiechtel said that for him, the holiday meant that regardless of how challenging life could be, there was always something to be happy about.
"The holiday is universal, anyone can celebrate it with us, and with the economy the way it is,
everyone should try to smile." Tiechtel said.
Natalie Brown, Boulder, Colo., junior, is the party planner for the Chabad Jewish Center's celebration. She said she would describe the holiday as a mix between St. Patrick's Day and Halloween.
"For people who aren't Jewish, I think it's cool to keep your mind open and try new things," Brown said.
She said the holiday reminded her of her ancestors' history and made her appreciate her family.
"To me it means overcoming challenges, appreciating heritage and remembering those who came before me," Brown said. "It's what being Jewish is all about, family and celebrating."
Rissien said to him Purim was always a fun celebration, which brought all kinds of people together to celebrate in happiness.
"It means a lot that the Jewish faith has a holiday where really everyone takes time to just come together and have a good time." Rissian said. "It's my favorite holiday for sure."
Edited by Justin Leverett
INTERNET
Posting the 'first time' online Women go online to share stories about losing their virginity
BY MICOLE ARONOWITZ
maronowitz@kansan.com
Women around the country have probably shared stories with friends about how they lost their virginity. $ ^{*} $ But a gutsy few have taken up an effort to share their stories on a Web site specifically designed for women to discuss the subtleties of the "first time." The Web site, Deffloweredmemoirs.com, has been taking submissions from women across the country since January.
Abby Kincaid, creator and editor of the site, said the idea came about through talking with her friends about how she lost her virginity. Her original intention was to compile an anthology of other's stories; she said the Web site started as a way to attract more submissions and give her a better chance of getting a book deal.
Kincaid said the Web site gave a fair voice to women and opened up the conversation of sexuality.
sation and allows women to take control of their own story."
"I feel like there are so many mixed messages, especially for younger women, regarding sexuality," Kincaid said. "I think this is a small way to add to the conver-
Kincaid said these stories resonated with college-aged women because a lot of initial sexuality took place during late high school and
story submissions
Guidelines for submitting a story to Deflowered:
early college years. She said it was at this time when women were coming into their own in terms of sexuality. She said it gave women a voice in situations where the protagonist was normally male.
"In movies like 'American Pie' and 'Sixteen Candles', the guys are trying to hook up with the girls and the girls are almost like
- Stories should be 1,500 to 2,500 words.
- Copy your story into the body of an e-mail and send it to submitmystory@defloweredmemoirs.com. Attachments will not be opened.
- Include a witty two-to three-sentence bio about yourself. Refer to stories online for examples.
- Include contact information.
- Direct all questions to abby@defloweredmemoirs.com
- If you would like your story to be published under a pen name, include that information.
- Include your blog address,
if you have one. If you are
chosen for publication online,
Deflowered will link to that
defender on the Web site.
these passive objects in this experience," Kincaid said, adding that the Web site "allows women to own the experience."
Ryan Weaver, graduate teaching assistant in women's studies, said that more than a century ago it wasn't OK for women to ever publicly discuss anything about their sexuality or desires.
He said it was a woman's role to remain silent, pure and submissive.
Source: http://www.defloweredmemoirs.
com/submit.cfm
His response to the Web site was mixed
"It is the beginning of something that is an important part of adult life."
sexual liberation is often equated with sexual promiscuity. We've arrived in a culture where we want women to talk about their sexual escapades because now that's seen as a form of empowerment for women."
Weaver said the Internet had been a great tool for people to have a voice and express themselves in many different ways.
"It is great that women have a place where they can express their stories about how they lost their virginity." Weaver said. "I'm also conscious that we live in a society and culture where
ABBY KINCAID Web site creator
"We are now in a culture where women have access to power by being sexual," Weaver said. "This Web site sounds like it's an instrument to do that."
Patty Quinlan, nursing supervisor at Watkins Memorial Health Center, said it was important for students to have an outlet to discuss sexual issues.
She said that even if students were not comfortable sharing their story with a broad audience, they should be comfortable discussing sex with their partner.
She said if students were able to talk about sex with their partner, they had a solid relationship.
Kincaid said the stories on Deflowered appealed more to women than men, and that's the way she intended it. Men were used to telling their stories, she said, and the Web site gave a chance for women to express their emotions.
"It's about trying to look at an experience as something that, although it can be kind of bitter-sweet, it is the beginning of something that is an important part of adult life," Kincaid said.
Edited by Casey Miles