A Jewish identity in today’s world seems to take many forms. For me, Judaism is a way of life that extends beyond going to temple and saying, “I’m Jewish.” It is a lifestyle that I choose to follow. There’s no minimum requirement of observance to be considered Jewish. However, I believe that one has to have a personal Jewish conscience in order to keep a Jewish connection throughout one’s life. On the eve of leaving home to begin my college career, I found myself reflecting on what makes up my Jewish identity and how it will stay with me into this next chapter of my life.
Each week at home, we observe Shabbat, giving us pause at the end of a busy week to come together as a family. As I will be more than 2,000 miles from home, I plan to take root at our campus’ Hillel house and look forward to the weekly Shabbat service and home-cooked, sit-down dinner. I also won’t be able to zip home for the High Holy Days, which this year coincides with my turning 18 and becoming an adult. More than ever, I’ll be reflecting on this past year in terms of what kind of person I was and what I aspire to be in the coming year. I’ll miss my connection to my temple, where much of my religious life has been centered. It’s been more than just a place to worship or study religion; it’s been a community where I feel I belong.
Another element of my Jewish identity is my practice of eating kosher-style and not mixing milk and meat. This simple choice I make at each meal has a large impact on my life. By being mindful of what I eat, I feel constantly connected to my Judaism because at every meal I reflect on why I am eating this way. Kashrut unites Jews throughout the world because regardless of where one is, it is our standard tradition.
Among the many ways that keep me connected to my Jewish roots is my personal bond with Israel. Above all the other ways I have stayed connected was physically going to Israel and studying there for a semester my sophomore year in high school. As a Jewish people, we have fought and worked very hard to obtain our Jewish homeland and it was life changing to live there and immerse myself in the incredible culture.
The tough question one might ask oneself is “How much Jewish is enough Jewish?” There is no definitive formula. As my grandpa likes to say, “It’s in my soul!” When he says this, he means that it is not his outward expression that defines him as a Jew. Rather, it is the internal values that he holds to be true that constitute his observance. For some, they need no outward expression or religious routine in their lives to feel Jewish because they see their identity as a matter of personal belief. For others, they strictly follow all rules and standards set by the Jewish law to feel truly Jewish.
I feel the best way to maintain my Jewish identity is to know what means the most to me, and then practice those beliefs. Beyond observing Shabbat and the holidays, it’s the values instilled in me, such as treating others with respect and care, not gossiping, giving tzedakah, participating in tikkun olam, respecting my parents among others. It might not always be an outward expression, it may be feelings only I will know, but this is what will keep me connected to my beliefs and help keep our religion alive for the next generation.
Alana Sobel is a freshman at Indiana University. She wrote this essay in August when she was still at home in Burlingame.