Meet Kendra, our favorite Pizza Bagel - that's a cheesy blend of Italian and Jewish cultures.
Urban Dor: Tell us about attending University of Hartford and earning your MBA in West Hartford - where did you go for Jewish community during that time? When did you first come across Urban Dor?
Kendra: University of Hartford is a great campus, and there’s plenty of Jewish community here. Of course there is the UHART Hillel as well as Chabad Chevra. The library holds the Museum of Jewish Civilization where they currently have a very interesting exhibit called Jews In Space: Members of the Tribe In Orbit. I first came across Urban Dor a couple years ago. Ironically I had just moved out of West Hartford to the other side of the river next to East Hartford, to my first one bedroom apartment. I read about Urban Dor in an online article somewhere and decided to attend the Hanukkah event after only a couple months of living on my own in an attempt to put myself out there in the community and make new friends.
Urban Dor: We heard you love to knit - and have made us cute knitted kippahs for raffles (thank you!) - where can people find your creations online?
Kendra: Crocheting and knitting is a lot of time consuming work, between work and school I’m not sure when I will have time to put my projects out into the world, maybe someday I’ll have a website and post patterns for those who wish to learn to crochet for themselves. I have hosted fiber arts groups out of my apartment and at Elicit Brewery, which I am still very much willing to continue if there is anyone out there who is interested.
Urban Dor: You taught us the concept of the "Pizza Bagel" - and we lovingly connect you with fellow Jewish Italian members when we learn of them - I guess there is no question here - feel free to add your comment to this comment.
Kendra: Pizza Bagels are the best and you can’t escape us because we’re everywhere. There were actually three other Jewish-Italian individuals on my birthright trip back in January. It’s a really interesting blend of two cultures. Have you ever heard the saying, “a nonna, a bubbe, same woman, different necklace”?
Urban Dor: Word on the street is that you and other Urban Dor members started a Hebrew learning group. How can people connect to learn more about it?
Kendra: Yes we decided to start a little group called HeBrews to practice our Hebrew and drink beer and/or coffee. Anyone is welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn or Facebook Messenger (just search my name!).
Urban Dor: What's your favorite Jewish holiday and why?
Kendra: I’ve always loved Hanukkah ever since I was a child. The food and the vibes are immaculate.
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