There's much to tell.
Many people can't even pronounce my name let alone know its origin. Once some people figure-out how to say it, they usually think it's "pretty" but otherwise have no other reason to care what it means. Click here for an explanation of the origin of the name "Hillel".
In case you couldn't tell from my name, I'm Jewish. The historical reference, personal and spiritual identity, and many of the traditions are more important to me than what many today would consider the strict or "orthodox" practice. In my opinion, much of what's considered religious doctrine are really indoctrinated traditions. I strive to "climb the ladder" of Jewish practice and hope one day to pass along the beauty, values and virtues of the age-old traditions and some of the uncanny wiseness of the sages. I practice "Conservative" Judaism. I firmly believe in learning the religion and in creating the values and family connections associated with the traditions and ways.
I also believe that in order to function normally in society you can't cast yourself out of it... To really practice Judaism without getting tangled in contradictions would be very nice. In my life right now, it would be very impractical to attempt a jump into complete observance of all aspects of the Laws. It seems that much of my beliefs are closely aligned with the Babylonian, Rabbi Hillel from two thousand years ago. (See FAQ.)
I should also mention Young Professionals Kesher, aka: YPK. This is a group of Jewish college and post-college aged singles, married couples, and families whose children are not yet in elementary school. YPK is affiliated with Beth El Congregation in Alexandria, VA however the members of YPK need not be congregants there. YPK's membership share interests in four key aspects of life: Socializing, Community Service, Jewish Religion/Culture/Tradition, and Community Leadership. Please visit their sites for more information.
I also would like to point you in the direction of a number of great references related to Judaism and Jewish Life.
Jewish World Review
Navigating the Bible
Judaism Homepage from About.com
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Shamash.org
Bar-Ilan International Center for Jewish Identity
Synagogues.com
Project Genesis: Torah on the Information Superhighway
AISH HaTORAH
Jewish Gates
Jewish America
Chumash Intelligent Concept Search
Triennial Cycle of weekly Torah Reading
Please see these sites for a accurate information on the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, Jewish News and History.
Daily News
Arutz 7 news
Constant updates from Virtual Jerusalem
Constant updates from Jerusalem Post
America-Israel Political Action Committee
News in-Depth Commentary
World Net Daily
Women in Green
The Truth About Israel
Translations of Arabic and Israeli news
Photos from the region
Gamla.org
Tracks bias in International Media reporting on the region
Israel Under Seige
Background and History
Crash Course in Middle East History
Temple Mount Supporters
Jerusalem Support and background
Israel Defense Forces Spokesman
Political Action
Humanitarian Aid to Jews under seige
Click and send your Gov't rep. Easy!
Protest Media Bias
A cute family story can be found, here
I like to stay healthy physically and emotionally. I recently came across a great book by Dan Millman called The Life You Were Meant to Live. It uses ancient numerology to describe a persons strengths, qualities, weaknesses, and other character traits. Painted me like a picture! Very weird! I got onto this author through a friend who recommended to me Millman's first book, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. Highly recommended for those beginning their exploration of character development. Which leads be to other aspects of me. I work to develop myself professionally, intellectually and spiritually, do outdoor things, travel, read, cook, spend quiet time with friends... I also like to eat-out and find good places for good food, coffee, and beer.
For a real relaxing time, I enjoy going to Gravely Point Park (at the north end of National Airport) and lay in the landing path. (What does that say about me?)
I feed and shelter two cats, Gali[leo] and Newton who pretty much own our house... They got their names as part of a compromise between me and my first roommate, Mike. Mike and I agreed to save them from the humane society and since he was a computer scientist and I'm an engineer the names had to be geek/nerd associated... And since I'd already used Orville and Wilbur for a pair of ferrets I had in college, and since ADA and PASCAL were unacceptable as names (to me) ... there ya' have it -- a pair of well-known, non-specific science-based names. Except for the bedrooms, our house is theirs.
Please see her website. You'll see what I mean.