The Purple Goat Award for Excellence in Podcasting goes to…


What is Happening Here from Canadaland!

You need to go and listen to this podcast immediately.

It is a seven-episode limited series in which Canadian Jewish journalist Jesse Brown explores the uptick in anti-Jewish animosity in Canada since October 7.

Did you notice how I called it “anti-Jewish animosity” and not antisemitism? Well, that was very intentional and a topic that Brown explores in his riveting reporting.

He covers a phenomenon that we are also seeing here in the States, but on a lesser scale: People who feel animosity toward Jews are excusing their bigotry and inflammatory rhetoric by calling it antizionism, not antisemitism. As such, whenever Jews try to point out a person’s bigotry, it results in an inane argument over semantics. But the anti-Jewish sentiment is the same, and its impact on the Jewish community is the same.

Jesse Brown is an extraordinary journalist and human being because he spends two full episodes talking to the antizionists with whom he disagrees. He does not debate them or try to change their minds; he simply listens, asks questions, and tries to understand where they are coming from. At the same time, he is firm in his facilitation of the conversation and lets his interviewee know when they are getting off track.

It is a riveting listen. I devoured it, and I encourage you to check it out.

Spotify | Apple | Website


New blog post alert!!

I shared the process of working with a student to turn their ugly duckling essay (affectionate) into a beautiful swan.


How I can help you with the college process

I offer college counseling and essay coaching for LGBTQ+ and Jewish teens.

I recommend starting the college counseling process junior year, so if your student is a rising junior, now is the perfect time.

If your student is a rising senior who could benefit from essay coaching, now is also the perfect time. If there is any chance your student will need professional assistance, it is best to secure it early. As the deadlines come closer, I may not have the capacity to assist. Plus, who doesn’t love getting challenging tasks out of the way?

If you are the parent of a student who needs college counseling and/or essay coaching, the first step would be to discuss it in a free initial consultation. Feel free to respond to this email with any questions.

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Purple Goat College Consulting

Hi! I'm Rachel Oshinsky. I help students and families with the college process, and I particularly love working with LGBTQIA+ and Jewish folks. If you are looking for insights into the college process and beyond from an LGBTQIA+ and Jewish perspective, welcome!

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