Eve. of Tues., April 25–Wed., April 26
3oth of Nisan–Omer 15
Being a Jew is both an honor and a privilege. It is something I wake up to every day and for which I thank G-d.
As a Jew by Choice, I’m not sure that my path is harder than that of a Jew by Birth, but it is different. I have had to deal recently with anti-Semitic comments by friends of family, and there is always the explaining of why I would reject the faith that I was taught from birth for another so vastly different, and, of course, all the comments about my final destination in the ‘world to come.’
But none of that makes any difference to me, because the moment I walked out of the mikva, my world and my life changed forever. Suddenly felt like I belonged to something so much bigger than myself. I was part of a nation and a people. No matter where I go, there is always a community to welcome me and play Jewish Geography.
My Judaism is my port in every storm, my delight and my home and always will be. Those words sum up what being a Jew means to me.
—Sharon Alger
Eve. of Wed., April 26–Thurs., April 27
1st of Iyar–Omer 16
Being a Jew means helping others and finding a way to be kind, caring and generous. Also being a part of a family, and a part of Temple.
—Natalie Keough (Age 9)
My family; being a part of a Jewish community; at Temple; Passover Seders when everyone comes home; lighting Chanukah candles with my children and singing songs; my Dad, my Mom; Shabbat dinners at Grandma Zev’s.
—Arin Keough
Eve. of Thurs., April 27–Fri., April 28
2nd of Iyar–Omer 17
Being a Jew means that you should study Torah and learn about your history. You also should enjoy all the holidays and have some fun. You should enjoy the food and like to eat matzah pizza. That is what it means to me.
—Sean Bright (Age 14)
Eve. of Fri., April 28–Sat., April 29
3rd of Iyar–Omer 18
As I sit back and think about the question of what it means to me to be a Jew, I took note of what I felt and thought. Immediately, my chest became warm and prideful, and my mind started to fill with images of my family. Images of my grandparent’s at our old Synagogue, my brother’s bar mitzvah when we were young, the peaceful joy of my mother’s hand holding mine during services even as an adult.
One of the many gifts from my family are my Jewish values. The one that resonates with me the most, is to always have empathy for your fellow man/woman and animal. I feel the responsibility and the privilege as a Jew, to pass this feeling of love and pride to my own children.
—Lola Suvak
Eve. of Sat., April 29–Sun., April 30
4th of Iyar–Omer 19
Being a Jew is special. It’s different, unique, and special. It’s cool to be different. I like not being like everyone else. I also think Jewish when eating Jewish.
—Anonymous
Eve. of Sun., April 30–Mon., May 1
5th of Iyar–Omer 20
Being a Jew means to be kind to people and respect God.
—Callie Sloan (Age 8)
Eve. of Mon., May 1–Tues., May 2
6th of Iyar–Omer 21
I am adopted, not by a couple or a woman or a man; but by an entire people, a community that call themselves Jews. The adoption process was not immediate. I had a great example to study, and it was her conviction and enthusiasm for this way of life that made it easy. There was no pressure, there was no “You have to – or else!” the adoption process was totally my choice.
As any adopted child I soon learned to live like my new family; I celebrated events, and attended their Holidays, and in no time at all, I learned to love all of their customs, celebrations, and prayers.
When One is adopted they may not resemble their new family physically, and sometimes un-thoughtful people may make the caustic comments – “You don’t look Jewish?” or “Your name isn’t very Jewish?,” and it hurts.
I have made an effort to adopt and Love this religion, this way of Life, with the pride and fulfillment one receives when one participates and makes an effort to belong to this community, this people.
I am adopted, but I converted, I became a bar mitzvah, I read Torah, I lead prayers, I lead services, and I live a Jewish Life. I hold myself up as a model for my children, my grandchildren, my friends, and my community.
I AM ADOPTED, BUT I AM A JEW
—Randy Boswell