Jewish Heritage Month

I am very proud of my Jewish heritage and the impact it has had over the generations as my family has grown in America. It is the foundation upon which my values and morals were built and continues to guide the way my husband and I raise our own family. 

 

My grandparents came from immigrant families. Their parents came to America from eastern Europe to escape antisemitism, in search of freedom and opportunity. Despite being persecuted because of their religion, they never hid their identities and continued to practice Judaism and raise their children with Jewish values. Two strong tenets that were passed down through the generations that epitomize how Judaism impacts my everyday life are tzedakah (helping others) and lifelong learning.

 

My maternal grandfather, despite not having the opportunity to attend college, worked extremely hard from a young age to create a very successful business. With that success, he and my grandmother made it a priority to give back to those in need. Their commitment to tzedakah defined them. I was always so proud of how generous and yet so humble they were. Their model of putting others first continues to influence how their children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren interact with the world.

 

My paternal grandfather was fortunate enough to receive a wonderful education. He and my grandmother instilled in our family the Jewish value of lifelong learning. My grandfather used to say that education was something that cannot be taken away from you. When I think of my grandparents, dad, uncle, and cousins, I think of all they have learned and accomplished and the joy their knowledge brings to their lives and those they impact. I have learned about the importance of encouraging questions, curiosity, and a passion for learning because of the role models in my family and the Jewish value of lifelong learning.  

 

I understand what a privilege it is to be Jewish in America. My ancestors lived through persecution and antisemitism yet they never forgot who they were and the values they were taught. The importance of the Jewish values and the commitment to living these values and instilling them in my children - including, but not limited to tzedakah and the joy of learning – are what are most important to me when thinking about my Jewish heritage.