Today’s 5 Question Series Interview is with Casara. Casara is a Community Educator for BIMA and she is excited to learn, grow, and explore this summer. Casara is pursuing a master’s degree at Lesley University in expressive therapies, with a specializationin dance/movement therapy and mental health counseling. She received her B.A. from Brandeis University, studying Sociology and Theater (with a focus on movement and musical theater). Casara is passionate about creating vibrant and diverse communities, and has worked in a variety of settings, both Jewish and secular, as an educator, counselor, and mentor. She connects to many forms of dance and movement, especially creative movement and African dance, having spent time in Cape Town, South
Africa. She believes communities are strengthened and empowered through the arts, and her journey has led her to offer creative movement and arts workshops in many settings.
1) What were you like as a high schooler?
Overly ambitious! I can see that now. As a high school student, I was determined to be involved in as many groups and activities that inspired me as possible, especially diversity education and tolerance raising groups. I went to a small enough high school that there were not such clear cliques, but I somewhat floated from group to group, not totally connecting with any one group, but much more with individuals. It wasn’t until I went on a summer Israel pluralistic high school program (similar in many ways to BIMA and Genesis) that I really found a group of friends with whom I identified, who were engaging/grappling with questions of identity and Judaism similar to me.
2) What are you excited for this summer?
I am thrilled to get to know, learn with, and grow from such talented and creative participants and staff member! I can’t wait to engage in combining Jewish learning and the creative arts, and to expand my own horizons on what’s possible within that realm.
3) What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who are able to take something that others might find so ordinary, and to see the extraordinary in it, and its potential. I am inspired by leaders and educators who challenge the world to engage first and foremost with people as individuals. I am inspired by those people who have experienced great adversity and who use their experiences to change the world. I am inspired by passionate music, dance and art, and the coming together of community and communities to influence growth, positive change and social justice.
4) What is one achievement you are proud of?
For five months, I volunteered at the Yemin Orde Youth Village in the north of Israel, tutoring, dancing with and learning from immigrant high school students from all over the world.
5) What advice do you give to teenagers entering BIMA/Genesis?
As Ms. Frizzle, my favorite childhood cartoon character, often said “Make mistakes! Take chances! Get messy!” I couldn’t say it better myself…. The sky’s the limit this summer! Stay open to new experiences and new possibilities—we are all here to support one another in that process.
