On Feeling Jewish
This week at our Board of Trustees meeting, I was struck by the variety of ways our board members expressed their Jewishness visually.
In one glance around the room, I saw:
A kippah
Jewelry with symbols, like hamsas and Jewish stars
A “Curb Your Antisemitism” T-shirt
Blue ribbons to raise awareness of the Israeli hostages
These days, deciding which necklace to wear, or which t-shirt we wear, takes on added weight as we experience a rise in antisemitism and anti-Zionism in our schools, online, and in the public square. But I was struck that so many board members are displaying their Jewishness proudly, in spite of the current climate. The Jewish leaders of Greater Raleigh are proud to be Jewish, and I hope that you can be proud too.
Whether or not you feel confident declaring your Jewishness publicly, one of the best ways to fight feelings of helplessness or isolation in a time of hate is connection. Since October 7, the times in which I have felt most comforted and proud of being Jewish has been at our community gatherings. In these moments, I felt renewed, and inspired, and ready to commit to our mission to welcome, engage, and enhance Jewish life.
That is why I encourage everyone to participate in Shabbat Across Greater Raleigh. On March 8, whether you host or attend a Shabbat dinner, you will do so knowing you are part of a movement of people, ready and willing to engage Jewishly. At these dinners, I encourage everyone to ask each other, "How are you doing right now as a Jew, or someone connected to the Jewish community?”
I promise that by being together during challenging times, it will bring the spirit we all need to continue to show up for our community, our loved ones, and ourselves.
Sign up here to participate in Shabbat Across Greater Raleigh as a host or a guest!
Shabbat Shalom,
Phil