Posts Tagged ‘#AmYisraelChai’

Spiritual Awakenings and Safety Concerns

“The correct response to antisemitism is Jewish pride,” Brett Stephens, American journalist.

“Be 10% Jew-ier in whatever way you want,” Rabbi Craig Axler said during this year’s Rosh Hashanah service at Temple Isaiah.

The author standing by a canal in Venice, Italy wearing a blue dress, red foldie, and her hamsa necklaceBefore leaving for my vacation in Italy last month, I called my best friends, Craig and Pam, and asked them a question I usually don’t have to ask anyone.

“Is it safe to wear my Jewish star necklace when I travel?”

It was the first time I asked this out loud to anyone. Of course, this isn’t the first time I’ve thought about it. Far from it.

When I go food shopping for the Jewish holidays, there is one local supermarket where I order my Break the Fast trays for Yom Kippur, my latkes on Hanukkah, and the gefilte fish to serve at the Passover Seder; I often wonder if it is safe to go in there. There isn’t a regular police presence outside the store to protect us like at most synagogues. Why would there be? It’s your typical supermarket whose deli counter is quite popular with the Jewish community during the holidays. But where else would we go for the best chopped liver? Side note: I’m told it tastes incredible, but I’ve never touched the stuff.

It’s not just my safety that concerns me. I worry about my family and friends as well, particularly my children. They are coming home this weekend for a post-Rosh Hashanah dinner. Andrew is a student at Drexel University in Philadelphia. When he comes home on weekends, he often takes the train back to his apartment on Monday mornings. But this Monday morning is October 7th—the first anniversary of the brutal attacks by Hamas terrorists on innocent Israelis attending the Nova music festival. A day that resulted in 1200 Jews murdered and over 200 were taken hostage. A hundred of them are still being held in captivity today. This weekend, Andrew wants to go back to his apartment on Sunday night to avoid the Pro-Hamas rallies that are planned this Monday on the streets of Philadelphia. He is concerned about his safety while walking home from the train station. And frankly, so am I.

Jenna currently works for the University of Maryland Hillel in College Park. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about the anti-Semitic rhetoric and encampments happening on many college campuses all over the country today. This Monday, October 7, the Students’ Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter is hosting an event on the University’s largest public convening space to mark the largest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Understandably, the Jewish community is incredibly upset about such a public display of hate, but Maryland Hillel will have educational and awareness events during the day.

October 7 will be a tough day for our community everywhere. But it is also an opportunity to share our Jewish pride, stand with Israel, and build an even more robust, resilient presence. I pray for the safety of everyone at universities and in major cities around the country as we all mark this difficult anniversary. Side note: I’m all for free speech, but never, ever, hate speech. 

Back in Italy, my friends advised me to do what I felt was most comfortable, and I should be fine. I opted to wear my less obvious Hamsa necklace that my daughter bought for me in Jerusalem instead of my Jewish star. I didn’t run into any problems, but I did feel a pang in my heart as I saw others wear their crosses and other religious symbols freely while I had to question my choice of jewelry. This feeling, while overwhelming, was also inspiring.

I agree with the quote above by Bret Stephens that Jewish pride is the correct response to antisemitism. I have never hidden my identity or how proud I am to be Jewish. My love of Israel is steadfast, and being an active member of my local Jewish community brings me great joy. I will never stop worrying about the safety of my family and our community, but I will continue to take the advice of my spiritual leaders and friends and work harder to be 10% Jew-ier this year.

Maybe I’ll write a few more Jewish-themed blogs than I usually do.

Maybe I’ll attend an extra Shabbat service per month

Maybe I’ll even try the chopped liver! (or maybe not 😝)

If not now, when?

XO,

Elisa

The Hope is Still Real

It is so hard for me to put together a blog post today. Everywhere I turn the news is not good. I continue my job search today with a heavy heart as I think about everyone living in Israel. We know so many friends who know and love people who live there. I have family in Tel Aviv who are thankfully safe. But the social media posts and text messages have been ongoing.

I thought I’d try to stay off of Facebook this morning to give myself a break. I had no interest in opening Twitter/X, which I’m sure is filled with messages of antisemitism and hate. I don’t need to see any of that.

As I do every Monday, I logged on to LinkedIn to look for new jobs and start applying. I was surprised to see that LinkedIn was chock-full of supportive messages about Israel, the hostages, the safety of its soldiers, and the war against terrorism.

Even on LinkedIn, everyone seems to be distracted today for good reason. It’s not just me.

This morning, I took a walk and tried to enjoy the beauty of this day despite what is happening in the Middle East. And then, out of nowhere I started humming a song to myself. Feeling a little better, I took a selfie and posted it on Facebook with my Star of David necklace in full view. I also shared the following story.

I bought this necklace at a Hanukkah Bazaar years ago for no more than $40. I have gotten many compliments on it every time I wear it. Each of the six points on the star forms the colors of the rainbow. In the middle of the star is the Hebrew word and symbol  “Chai” which means life. (Side note: Chai is not pronounced like the tea. You have to make the “kh” sound as in challah).

Anyway, last week I was in The Fresh Market by my house and the woman at the cash register wished me a Happy New Year. I looked at her strangely and asked how she knew I was Jewish.

She smiled and said, “Your necklace is beautiful.”

I thanked her and told her she made my day. I forgot I was wearing it even though it is always a part of my wardrobe.

It goes with everything.

It goes with me.

That was last week.

This week, I know some people who are afraid to wear their Stars of David jewelry in public or choose to hide them under their shirts for fear of hateful remarks that may come at them. I understand this, and I don’t blame them one bit. But as you can see from this photo, I wear my necklace for everyone to see. Of course, I am afraid someone might come up to me spew their hate to my face. But just like the terrorists on 9/11, I don’t want them to win. I can’t. I wear my necklace for the same reason that I still fly, travel, go to concerts, and enjoy life. Terrorism cannot win.

I also believe in the kindness of strangers, like that cashier. My faith is everything to me, and it tells me that Israel is strong. Her people are strong. Our community is strong. But, I know we are also hurting, so please check in on your Jewish friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Call your representatives to say you stand with Israel and they should too. And if you feel compelled (and are able to) make a donation to places like American Friends of Magen David Adom (Israel’s version of the Red Cross), please do.

Oh, and the song I was humming during my walk this morning was “The Hope” by Jewish musician, Rich Recht. Is it too soon to hope? Maybe. But it reminded me that sometimes hope is what gets us through the dark times. Please take a moment to click and listen and keep praying for peace.

XO,

Elisa