I was raised in a Catholic family. I went to private, Catholic school. I went to church every Sunday. Youth group, church retreats, you name it, I've probably done it. As I got older, I realized maybe I didn't want to be Catholic. I was never really given a choice to choose what religion I wanted, or if I even wanted one at all. Coming to college, I've met a variety of different people with a variety of different views. Going to Catholic school and being shielded from other beliefs my whole life, college was a huge smack in the face.
I joined a sorority in college. My big was Jewish, her big was Jewish. I became friends with AEPi, the Jewish fraternity because my big's boyfriend is in it. I'm currently surrounded by Judaism. I listen to them talk about their families, their celebrations and traditions, their holidays, their Rabbi, and I sit in awe... and jealousy. I soon came to realize that maybe I want to be Jewish.
After all, when I was little I was thoroughly confused for a portion of my life because my mom took me to celebrate Hanukkah with our family friends and the next thing you know, I'm bringing a dreidel themed children's book to show and tell for my class. Rookie mistake.
Just in case you're thinking "damn, I wish I was a Jew," enjoy this list of things that are cool about being Jewish and sulk with me a while.
1. If you're Jewish and you meet a Jewish stranger, you're automatically best friends.
It joins people together in such a beautiful community.
2. Shabbat.
One day a week Jewish people unplug from "doing" to focus on "being" together. Like HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THAT. You have a weekly opportunity to reconnect with friends, family, and God.
3. Living a Jewish life requires a full immersion in the world.
The challenge is to use the physical as a means to an end, elevating it towards the spiritual, and not let the physical take control of you. So indulge. You will literally be punished for not eating that whole tub of Ben and Jerry's.
4. The Jews are one of the oldest nations in the world.
Think of all the history they have under their belts. PLUS they've survived despite being exiled from their land not once, but twice!
5. Feminism.
When ancient civilization degraded women, viewing them as property, the Torah gave women full protection of their rights in marriage, obligating the husband to honor and cherish his wife. This religion literally commands the husband to honor and respect his wife in the highest regard possible. If that doesn't scream awesome, I don't know what does.
6. Last but not least, birthright.
If you're Jewish you are eligible for a FREE trip to Israel to soak up the history and love of your religion. You go out to clubs, meet Jews from all over, go sightseeing, and eat good food. Last time I checked, the Catholic Church isn't offering up a deal like this.
