Yael Miller has worked on a variety of projects in research and analysis related to the Middle East. The majority of her experience focuses on efforts related to improving relations between the United States and other developing nations in North Africa, the Sahel, and the Middle East. In addition, she has worked on media and strategic communication projects on intercultural communications throughout the world. She has traveled and studied in several Middle Eastern countries, and currently lives in Washington, DC, where she is a student at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Miller is a contributing blogger for Haaretz Jewish World.
When I first heard of the phone number that connects random foreigners with random Swedes, I thought it was a useless gimmick. But then I realized it was a great tool for connecting people in dialogue and breaking down stereotypes.
I arrived hoping to send my taste buds on a trip to Jerusalem and Amman – where falafel is gently spiced, hummus is smooth and creamy, and pita is fluffy and warm – but what I got was something else; something entirely else.
I used to hate Christmas. It was the party everyone was invited to, except for me. But this year, something in my thinking changed.
It's the same meal every year, the same table settings every year and, yes, the same crowd. Well, perhaps the people are different, but the personalities are definitely the same.
This year, go beyond eating sesame chicken at the movies.
From a pious lighted polar bear to a chocolate Hanukkah Harry, a list of tchotchkes to make this the tackiest Festival of Lights.
From a sleazy sukkah pick-up tee, to a song you won’t stop singing, here’s a list of ridiculous, yet awesome, treasures you can find online.
From revolutionizing the red carpet to unleashing her black humor on unsuspecting victims, Rivers had her very own style of comedy. Here's a list in honor of her funeral day.
A (completely unscientific) look at the Chosen People with a specially chosen expertise.
A flurry of Jewish 'hook up culture' dating apps have come out recently.Can these quick interactions really lead to long-lasting, meaningful relationships?
Seinfeld always had a way of bringing non-political Jewish culture to the masses. As Diaspora Jews feel the wake of Israeli isolationism, we could all do with a little 'serenity now!’
When Miley Cyrus and Kanye West let anti-Semitic comments slip, plenty of people actually believe them.
A historic event calls for a historic approach to gift-giving.
Art that encourages political debate should not be perceived as a threat.
Judging a person’s 'Jewishness’ only serves to alienate. Rather than reaching out, rabbis and religious Jews should try to draw others in.
Dresses, flowers, invitations - couples these days take out loans to make sure their wedding day is perfect. Turns out, these details are not what marriage is all about.
My fiance almost fell over backward when his Moroccan family said they wanted to throw me a henna party. We agreed on one condition: Keep it low key.
With the emphasis on good cheer, charitable giving and improving family ties, Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to quit the Jewish-Muslim mudslinging, and focus on improving our relationship.
It’s time for the Jewish community to take a deep breath, stop worrying about Jewish stereotypes on TV, and start noticing how diversely Jews are portrayed.
The third Sunday in June hasn’t meant anything to me since I was 12 years old; it’s the many ways I regularly honor my father - especially when I speak in Hebrew and spend time in Israel - that make him experience how much I appreciate him.
After her last post on searching for the best place to set up her chuppa in Israel, Jewish World blogger Yael Miller discusses some of the key insights she gleaned in the process.
Unlike most Jewish holidays, Shavuot has no sad undertones. Could this be why 'the Torah’s birthday’ is generally overlooked?
As Diaspora communities shrink, preserving Jewish centers and sites are key to ensuring the memories of Jewish communities live on, to serve as a bridge between Jews and non-Jews.
Some would call me a traitor, but celebrating both Israel’s and the United States’ independence is the truest expression of my identity.
Passover tradition is not just about religion; it’s the American-style mashed potato and gravy with main course, and the Israeli-style debate on politics as we read the Haggadah.
The prevalence of agunot, or chained wives, in the United States is startling; it’s high time we got informed and took a stand against the phenomenon, and the Jewish men who perpetuate it.
Being a modern American feminist does not mean I should refuse to change my surname upon marriage; but it does give me choice.
Israelis and Americans have starkly different expectations of wedding invitations, RSVP dates and gift protocol; the gap seems as vast as the sea that separates the countries.
Does the venue have a kosher certificate, is it a licensed business, are they willing to host a wedding of ‘only’ 150 guests, and will they give us the night we want?
Just seeing my friends go through the hype and headache of planning weddings in the U.S. made me want to run away; when I discovered the perks of Israeli weddings, I sighed with relief.