SPOTLIGHT
With: Hannah Solon

Shevet
Orot

Current role in Bnei Akiva
Mazkirah Galil of Bnei Akiva Atlanta

What is your first memory of Bnei Akiva?
Going to Snif every Shabbos with my friends.

Why do you think it’s so important to be involved in Bnei Akiva as a High Schooler?
Not only does being involved in Bnei Akiva allow us to gain valuable leadership skills that will undoubtedly be useful throughout our lives, but it is such a great way to truly cultivate and live out our values, as well as be a great Jewish role model for all the kids around us. This is an unparalleled experience that has the potential to inspire us and the people around us to live Al Kiddush HaShem.

Tell us your favorite Bnei Akiva experience?
This is easily creating our Purim float every year. Last year we bought just about every single cotton ball in the neighborhood to create a giant sheep float (#KeepTheSheep) and this year we rented a U-Haul, bought 12 bales of hay and a bunch of teeboshets (see Rav James’s facebook page), and put together an amazing “Kibbutz Bnei Akiva” float which won third place in the parade. It’s just really amazing to put so much work into something and to see so many people enjoy and appreciate it.

Where is your dream place to live in Israel?
Somewhere between Yerushalayim and Tel Aviv

What does Torah V Avodah mean to you?
To me, Torah V Avodah is all about living a modern life in line with Torah values and never straying from those values. Torah should always be infused within our daily lives and be a guiding force for our actions and decisions.

Who would you rather be: David Ben Gurion or Golda Meir?
Golda Meir, obviously.

What one item is a must to pack for a Bnei Akiva Shabbaton?
Any and all pins to put on your tilboshet. It’s science. More pins=better Madrich/ah.

Most meaningful Zionist/Jewish quote?
Ben Adam Aleh Lemaalah Aleh

What is your aliyah date?
As soon as my parents let me