Welcome to “Who the Folk?!” Every week on Monday we feature a new member of the community as our “Person of the Week.” Last week week we got to know Dan Canfield. This week meet Jamie Diamond! Know someone we should feature? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected].
TC Jewfolk: Are you from the Twin Cities?
Jamie: Nope, I grew up in Kansas City. And then moved to NYC for college. After living there for ten years I moved here this summer to start a job as the Minneapolis Nadiv Educator (a shared educator position between Herzl and HMJDS).
TCJ: Were you a camper at Herzl?
Jamie: I was a camper and staff member from 97-2010 and loved it. I have my masters in Jewish Education, and one of the places that made me realize that is what I wanted to do for a career was Herzl. So when Drea called to tell me about the position, I was very excited to have the opportunity to bring what I have been doing professionally back to camp.
TCJ: And you also work for HMJDS…
Jamie: I do. I am the Judaic Programming Coordinator. I am working on an updated prayer curriculum and some holiday programming. The idea is to bring more experiential education into the school setting.
TCJ: This is probably obvious, but we have to ask… Which of the many Jewish summer camps gets you most ferklempt?
Jamie: I’m a Herzl girl through and through. It helped me become who I am today. That being said, I really believe Jewish summer camp is amazing regardless of what camp you go to and there is the perfect camp for each kid.
TCJ: What’s your favorite way to celebrate Shabbat?
Jamie: I haven’t lived in the same city as my family for almost 11 years but when we are together for Shabbat dinner it is amazing. We always have a lot of laughs… We can be a bit nutty.
TCJ: What’s your favorite Jewish holiday?
Jamie: Sukkot! I think it’s awesome to eat in the sukkah…like so much fun. It also is a true experience when you have to build a sukkah and eat in it. As an experiential educator I think it moves me because of that.
TCJ: Have you been to Israel? What’s your favorite memory?
Jamie: I have been to Israel eight times. I can’t get enough. I studied abroad in Jerusalem for my junior year of college. I have so many amazing memories. The one that stands out the most would be shopping at Machane Yehuda to get food for Shabbat. I think the shuk atmosphere is amazing and so different than anything we have in the states.
TCJ: What’s your top strategy for surviving winter?
Jamie: Well surviving winter and surviving winter here are two completely different things. I have never been so cold in my life. When I saw one day it was going to be negative-35 degrees with the windchill my mind was totally blown. I guess layers and hot tea have been helping but I’m open to suggestions.
TCJ: What’s your favorite thing to do in the Cities?
Jamie: I am still exploring but so far it has been going to see plays at the Orpheum. I have always loved musicals and was very excited to continue doing that here.
TCJ: What else do you do for fun?
Jamie: I like to try to explore new areas of Minneapolis. I really like some of the breweries in Northeast. Love going to the moves and finding great restaurants to try. I also love to spin.
TCJ: Give us one more reason why you’re folking awesome!
Jamie: I’m really good at board games and love to play them. I’m pretty competitive but I’m okay with that since I usually win… jk.
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