Written by Tamar Katz
Friday was our first session with our in-house educator, Jamie. To start off our conversation he posed the question, "What did the creation of the State of Israel mean to the Jewish people? What was life like before the state of Israel?"
Jamie observed that while Israel continues to battle threats from her neighbors, the reality is all of us participating in the Nachshon Project don't know a world without Israel. As I started to think about what my life would be like without Israel, I realized that almost every component of my Jewish identity would be altered. My Jewish experience has been filled with both ritualistic and Zionist experiences.
As I listened to my peers answer these questions, I saw quite quickly that my Jewish experience did not mirror many of those sitting in the circle beside me. I have always assumed that I led a fairly "typical" Jewish life. What I am starting to learn is that American Jewry today is comprised of many different sects who practice Judaism in a completely different - but equally holy - way as I do.
I am excited for further discussions with Jamie, as I am sure they will bring forth new opportunities for me to grow and learn as a Jewish person.
