Group helps students explore Jewish roots

Roots -- the Jewish learning program -- commenced its second year of activities at the University last night in Houston Hall with a guest appearance by Off the Beat. Close to 100 people attended the event. "Roots is for the pursuit of Jewish knowledge," group founder and College junior Sasha Trump said in her introductory remarks. "Whether you have spent 12 years in Jewish school or have never opened a Jewish text, Roots is for you." During the meeting, Trump signed up students for the program and encouraged those attending to discuss Judaic issues in small groups. She added that the group will try to have guest speakers this year as well. The a cappella singing group, Off the Beat, entertained the crowd following Trump's remarks. Trump hired the campus singing group hoping to attract more students to attend Roots meetings. A wide cross section of students attended the meeting. "I'm not religious at all," College senior Kata Szasz said. "However, I appreciate the fact that I can come and exchange ideas. Last year I brought a non-Jewish friend of mine and he was able to discuss religious topics without feeling any animosity on the part of the other members." Other students said they came for spiritual solace. "In the midst of a rigorous academic schedule, [Roots] is an opportunity to stay in touch with the spiritual side of life," College sophomore Adam Resnick said. College sophomore Batya Kaufman had more lofty goals in mind. "I came for infinite wisdom," she quipped. Trump's inspiration for Roots came during the year she spent at Barnard College where a similar organization existed. "I saw a great opportunity for starting such a program on the Penn campus," Trump said. "So I put up ads in obscure places and got about 80 people at our first meeting last year. One Russian woman sat down and implored, 'Tell me what it means to be a Jew.'" This year, Trump and College sophomore Jessica Putterman, a Roots coordinator, said they hope to attract a broader range of students and eventually apply for SAC funding. Roots is currently funded by a $1,000 grant from the Pitt foundation, which supports innovative initiatives related to Jewish education, and receives additional support from the Hillel Foundation. "The results have been extremely encouraging," said Hillel Director Jeremy Brochin. "Lots of people have found it to be an effective forum for testing out new ideas and possibilities." College junior and returning Roots member Matt Robinson said the group "has allowed me to develop a whole other part of my life." "It has allowed me to hold onto my heritage," he said. Roots will be held Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. at the Penn Hillel building.