In Search of Identity

As part of a unit on Jewish Identity during first semester, Seniors expressed what being Jewish means to them:

“There is no true definition of what it means to be a Jew. Ultimately just as you cannot define you who are using a single word, nor a set of label, being a Jew encompasses every part of who you are. As Thomas Friedman, writer for The New York Times wrote in his personal reflections on Judaism: “American Jew, Jewish American”, it doesn’t matter how you put it.  Being Jewish reflects all the parts of your identity that are important to you, whether that be that you enjoy baking or that you work as a doctor. One of the most incredible aspects of being a Jew is that your personal values and beliefs intertwine with those designated in the Torah. Judaism reflects a lifestyle and an identity, not a single trait or word.”   Daniella Wirtschafter

I personally relate to the view of Thomas Friedman. He said, “Although I value my Judaism very much, it is not the only part of my identity.” I also feel that my Judaism is a huge part of my life, but it is not the only part of my life. Like I stated in the previous paragraph, being a modern Jew is all about balancing tradition and modern values. In all, for me, being a Jew truly means being a part of a big family and supporting the Jewish homeland of Israel. Sam Glaun

In today's world, most people rush to confine to the expectations and the overall confinements of society. However, many Jews strive to remain different and distinct from the remainder of the population. In today’s world, a Jew is expected to look a certain way, dress a certain way, and practice their religion in a certain way. Yet in truth, being a Jew is simply someone who feels as if they are connected to the rest of the Jewish community and identifies with some or most of the traits that a Jew obtains. He is a person who typically strives to be a kind person or a good person and therefore cares about his fellow person.  Allison Siegel

I used to think that being Jewish was more an ethnicity than anything else. When I truly

thought about it, however, I discovered how wrong my view was. Hearing Warnick’s story only confirmed to be that being Jewish is about having the knowledge and the commitment to practice Judaism while also defending it. In the modern era, at least, that is truly what being Jewish means.  Jordan Nakdimon

Personally, I value being a Jew almost as much as I value anything in my life. I

am aware of my surroundings and am aware that I cannot display how proud I am of my

heritage in certain places and at certain times. Being Jewish, one has to be more self-

aware and self-conscious in order to be safe. That is just the harsh reality. On the other

hand, there are still numerous times where I can and have the responsibility to represent

the Jewish people the way we deserve to be represented. For example, I have to be a loud

and proud voice of our values in my community in order to show the world that the

Jewish people are a good people. David Abady

All Jews tend to have similar values. Being Jewish means that you share these morals with all others. Jews care for others and think of the greater picture. Being a modern Jew is being a good person to all others and accepting others for who they are. Also, Jews believe in the state of Israel and try to protect it. The practicing of Judaism is important to many, but being Jewish should be about acknowledging and wanting to support this great, worldwide community. Arielle Thornton

What it truly means to be a Jew is ultimately up to the individual person. Everybody has their own levels of observance of the laws and traditions, and since we have freedom of religion in most countries today, that decision cannot be made by any governing body. Rather, it’s up to each person and their families to decide how observant they want to be, and if they will teach their traditions and values to the next generation. While this may result in people “leaving” the faith or not practicing any Judaism at all, the world will continue to change everyday, and unless Judaism is willing to change with it, it will be left behind. We can’t erase our heritage, but we can choose how observant we are. Joseph Zilonka