Jake Ritter

Hello my fellow modern world Jews, my name is Jake Ritter and I am a sophomore writing major and integrated marketing communications minor. I was attracted to Ithaca College due to the fact that Ithaca is one of the only colleges that has a BA in writing. Writing has always been a passion of me due to my love of creative expression and my own unique interpretation of how I see the world. I've became intrigued with the field of integrated marketing communications prior to freshman year and during it due to how it is an ideal combination consisting of being creative and being able to make a stable income. When I am not writing, I enjoy yelling at the TV due to passionate nature as a New York Mets, Jets, Knicks and Rangers fan, playing soccer, basketball, baseball, football and tennis while also hanging out with my friends. Despite my work ethic and my pursuit for academic perfection, I am a very goofy, happy-go-lucky, outgoing individual as I attempt to enjoy everyday I have here at Ithaca. Even through I wasn't exactly the model student at Hebrew School, I was fascinated with the history of the Jewish people and being able to visualize the historic and significant moments of their rich culture. Throughout this semester, I am eager to learn more about my Jewish ancestors how life was for them those so many years ago.
The millet system was the recognition that both the Christians and Jews were separate nations that contained legal and religious autonomy in their individual communities due to the Islamic law that states the Ottoman policy regarding minorities. The communities of both minorities were responsible for its own welfare system, courts and schools as well as praying at their own synagogues or churches. The different millets created different communal buildings, roads and water fountains for their respective communities. Despite their independence, non-Muslims were unequal in the eyes of the Ottoman government to Muslims. Non-Muslims were forbidden in the purchasing of slaves, residing near mosques, and building tall houses.   Despite being able to practice their respective religions, Muslims were superior in many aspects of the Ottoman government. For example, Muslims had more responsibilities and rights than their non-Muslim counterparts.