Traveling as an Orthodox Jew isn’t always easy, but when you are determined to see the world, you make it work. Yehudit Taffel loves solo traveling.
After growing up in Baltimore and spending time in Israel, Taffel, 32, earned a degree in chemistry at Towson University. Now, she is the director of technology at Ohr Chadash Academy.
In her free time, she likes to travel around the United States and to different countries.
Yehudit Taffel lives in the Fallstaff area and belongs to Congregation Tiferes Yisroel.
What does a day in your job look like?
I do a lot of tech and staff [and] student support. If teachers are having issues with technology in their classrooms, or if a student is having issues, I usually attend to that. I also deal with some longer-term projects, like installing new interactive whiteboards in the classroom or new camera equipment for our security team. Every day is very dynamic, and it changes a lot. I’m never bored. I also am going to start teaching robotics.
How did you find this position?
I wanted to go into cybersecurity or something like that after I took the cybersecurity courses, and then this job came up and it sounded interesting. Since then, I’ve learned a lot. I came to really enjoy working specifically in a school setting. That’s something that I really appreciate about my job, I like that I’m doing something that has an impact, rather than just sitting at a computer and fixing technology.
What’s something that someone would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a big traveler. I travel a lot. I do a lot of solo traveling. I’ve been to China, Greece, Iceland and England. I play cello. I know some sign language.
When did you start playing the cello?
I started playing the cello when I was 21. I had seen a video of a guy playing cello, and I really fell in love with it. Then, I interacted with someone who had just moved to town, who was a professional cellist, and so I started taking lessons. It’s been one of my favorite parts of life ever since then. I’m pretty shy about my playing, so I usually I’ll play for family members or friends.
How would you describe your relationship with Judaism?
I think I would say it’s pretty flexible. I find a way to blend what I want to do with how it works within Judaism. I really chose it on my own. I didn’t want to be religious when I was younger and when I was a teenager, I was going to stop being religious, and then I ended up going to Israel. [I decided that] this is a choice I’m making now rather than just doing it because my family does it or because it’s what I’m being taught in school. Once I did that, I committed on my own to keep Torah and mitzvahs and things like that. I think that made a really big difference for me.
Where is your favorite place that you’ve traveled to?
My most exotic place is definitely China, and I loved my experience there. It was definitely one of my most memorable experiences. I also really love some of the places here in the U.S. that I’ve been to like Seattle and New Orleans.
Is it a challenge to be a religious Jew who travels?
Definitely. In terms of timing, there’ll be a lot of disruption. I always have to plan around Shabbat. In terms of food, I have to bring [my own]. I try to find local kosher food. When I went to New Orleans, I found kosher gumbo, which was interesting.
What do you like about working at Ohr Chadash Academy?
I love the team that we have there. It’s a really supportive and warm team. Everyone really cares about each other, and it’s really nice to work with people who are collectively working to make a difference for these students and give them the best experience possible. It’s very accepting of a lot of different types. I feel like I really fit in there.
