Eve. of Tues., April 11–Wed., April 12
16th of Nisan–Omer 1
I never considered questioning why I converted to Judaism. When I took the plunge into the mikva, that was my Carpe Diem moment. From that day forward, every step taken from my “Mitzraim,” was a step closer towards freedom.
At this time, I am standing at the edge of the Yam Suf, the Sea of Reeds. There
is a transition taking place in my life, and I am scared, just as our ancestors were when they saw the Egyptians coming. Moses tried to calm their fears by stating, “Stand by, and witness the deliverance which the Eternal will work for you today…The Eternal will battle for you; hold your peace!” Then the Eternal said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.” (Exodus 14:3-14, 15:1)
To answer the question what does it mean to be a Jew? For me, it means being part of the process. It means having faith in myself to let go of my ‘slave’ mentality, and appreciate the miracles I receive every day.
—Carol SH Gottlieb
Eve. of Wed., April 12–Thurs., April 13
17th of Nisan–Omer 2
Being a Jew means comfort, knowing that as I light my Shabbat candles, Jewish women around the world are lighting their candles, saying the same words that I am.
Being a Jew means pride, especially in these troubling times, in this new culture of prejudice.
Being a Jew means ensuring that my grandchildren learn and live the traditions that I learned from my parents.
—Barbara Holst
Eve. of Thurs., April 13–Fri., April 14
18th of Nisan–Omer 3
Some of my earliest memories are of walking to synagogue with my grandfather, and my grandmother walking ten paces behind. We would arrive and I would proudly sit next to him and try to find one of the few books that had English in it so I could try to understand what they were saying. My grandparents belonged to the ‘most’ Orthodox Synagogue in the area. I would learn the rules of being Jewish, but it was not until I was ready to be married, that I understood what it meant.
My wife was more religious than I. She felt strongly that religion play a major role in raising our children. Judaism helps show how to interact with society. Far more important than the rules, Judaism provides a moral compass for how we should live.
—David Zimmer
Eve. of Fri., April 14–Sat., April 15
19th of Nisan–Omer 4
Being a Jew is a privilege. It is something that sets me aside from everyone else. I have been able to take advantage of so many opportunities that I would not have had if I was not Jewish. I have a community of loving people at my Temple, which I consider not only a place of worship, but a home away from home.
Being in services, hearing prayers and songs that I have known my whole life, and seeing familiar faces is my escape from reality. I feel safety and shelter when I am surrounded by my congregation.
Being Jewish has given me the values I need to build onto the kind of person I want to be. Even when life is a roller coaster, my faith is always the balance I can turn to.
—Alaina Goldberg (age 15)
Eve. of Sat., April 15–Sun., April 16
20th of Nisan–Omer 5
To practice the principles of Judaism by advocating for peace, equality and social justice. The Jews have been persecuted throughout the centuries, and we have seen everything–war, slavery, genocide, being second-tier citizens or unwanted refugees, famine, hatred, and much more. We are now living in a time of relative peace and prosperity for Jews, and yet now other religious and ethnic groups are suffering. Now it is our turn to advocate for the less fortunate to achieve the goals for which we have yearned through the years.
—Michael Kryger
Eve. of Sun., April 16–Mon., April 17
21st of Nisan–Omer 6
I am a female Jew in the year 2017 and it means being part of a very old religion. Following traditions that have lasted for hundreds and hundreds of years. I have a warm feeling knowing that my forefathers and those yet to come have and will follow the same religious traditions and laws as I have.
My Temple David congregation is a group of warm, loving and giving people. They help tremendously to bring a congregant to weekly services and to taking part in many programs and events. You want to please them, bring a smile to their faces, and help them if they need it. Being a Jew today is finding an extra family with the same views and ideals. It is definitely a way of fulfilling a good life.
—Heather Benes
Eve. of Mon., April 17–Tues., April 18
22nd of Nisan–Omer 7
Being Jewish means carrying on the tradition of previous generations. To pray to God and celebrate our long history as a people. Judaism provides a sense of community and support. It is also at the core of my family’s traditions down to matzah ball soup and hiding our eyes for gifts at Chanukah!
—Darrin Sloan