I recently completed the Small Jewish Communities Project survey. I would encourage everyone to do so. The survey has been extended to May 22nd. It takes about 15 minutes. I believe this is a worthwhile project and look forward to seeing some information about their conclusions and research at some point in the future.
In addition to supporting a worthwhile research project, the questions led me to think about my Jewish identity and where that came from. Most of you know I converted to Judaism. I spent many years involved in Temple Judah before actually “formalizing” my relationship. My son attended Religious school and went through Confirmation. I was a youth group leader for several years. Also a member of Hadassah and Sisterhood.
I was attracted to Judaism my freshman year in college. I became more intrigued my junior year when I began dating a Jewish man (father of my child, ex-husband). He was not religious and my curiosity was “put on hold.” Fast forward to a four year old beginning Religious School. A friend, who was teaching preschool at the time, convinced me to volunteer in his classroom. My curiosity was again piqued as I began to learn about this religion from a 4 year old’s perspective. I began reading and asking questions. Still it would be eight or nine years later before I made the decision to convert.
As I answered the questions in the survey, I found some to be straight-forward and easy to answer. Others took more thought. As I am writing this I am still thinking about what defines me as a “Jewish person.” These thoughts came to surface as I participated in Rabbi Todd’s Peoplehood class. I know I am Jewish because of my core religious beliefs. Many of the questions gave me pause. I don’t doubt my core values, but when it comes to ranking what is most important or thinking about why that particular thing is more important, I had to do some thinking.
I believe everyone can benefit from stepping back and looking at one’s values periodically. Ask yourself if I make a decision based on value x, am I setting aside or compromising another important value. How do you weigh the importance of one value over another? It is not possible to go through life without questioning our intentions, our values, our decisions. My advice or “nudge” to you this month, is to make sure you are taking some time periodically to do just that. Do not always act as you have in the past just because that is always the choice you made. Life changes, you change, circumstances change, people change. Our values need to reflect these changes.
Shalom,
Nancy
President