Looking Jewish...The "Tribe"

Every year for the high holidays I like to attend services at my Bubie's Orthodox shul, with my mom, brother, and Bubie. My mom, who grew up at the temple, loves introducing me to people she knew when she was little or friends she had growing up. Many of these people are Easten European Jews (or their children) who had come to America post 1945 and started their lives in Merrick/Bellmore, NY. So as I am am introduced to these people as Penny's daughter, many reply with the same response, "She doesnt look Jewish". What does that mean? Is it my physical features that make me look Non-Jewish? Is it because my mom has a bigger nose than me that I don't look Jewish when standing next to her?

On the other hand... I have many friends who barely associate with Judaism. When they see me wearing an Israeli Army sweatshirt or a Macabee Haifa t-shirt, my Chai and my Hadaya necklace, and my two rings; one a Jewish star, the other a quote in Hebrew, they say to me, "Heather, you are so Jewish!". To them, it is my "accessories" which make me look Jewish.

Lastly, there are many people with whom I regularly come into contact with that know nothing about me (classmates, people eating at the same resturant as me, fellow "bar goers" etc.). These are strangers who tend to look, stereotype, and place people in social groups (everyone does it). What do these people see when they look at me? I wonder if they think I am Jewish.

So... Is looking Jewish important? Should I care that fellow Jews think I don't look/look Jewish because of my apperance? Should being told that I look Jewish make me identify more as a Jew? I don't think so. Everyone is born into a religion, and as they become older they are able to decide how small/large a role it will play in their lives. To me, being Jewish goes past looks. Being Jewish comes from within. My mom always told me, "Its not whats on the outside, but whats on the inside that counts". I have been able to shape my Jewish identity by different exposures to the religion, my values, beliefs, ideas, and opinions, which have allowed me to form a meaningful connection with Judaism.

Sure, I like to wear my huge ring with the Jewish star in the middle, but with or without that ring, I'M STILL JEWISH!

The Websites...

A few weeks ago we were all assigned different websites or magazines which focused on different aspects of Judaism, not really in a way which we were used to. I visited the website jewishmayhem.com and was shocked when the opening page was a naked girl covered with an Israeli flag. In the about section, it stated that this was a website that covers all aspects of Jewish culture, outside of the mainstream. I began to think to myself, "Is this acceptable"?

I decided to move out of the box and think about what these websites and magazines meant. There are millions of Jews who all have different interests, beliefs, values, traditions etc. If a magazine is willing to address these different issues while adding a Jewish twist, who is to say they are wrong? I think that these websites/magazines are actually a way to involve Jews in a lifestyle shared by others which is written about.

Jewish Learning

Today in class we discussed different organizations whose main goals are to promote Judaism. The National Jewish Outreach program is said to "get Jews to do Jewish things". What are those Jewish things that would make someone who barely associates with the religion Jewish? Is it attending Shabbat services such as Shabbat across America. Is this one time Shabbat meal enough to catch someones attention and interest long enough for them to want to make their own Shabbat meals? It might not be, but its a good start. The promotion of things Jewish is so important to the Jewish community which is becoming less and less active. CAJE and Limmud are two organizations which focus on learning and those who have learned, to teach. The teaching of Jewish material to those with less of a background is important because even the smallest piece of knowledge we are giving to another about Judaism is helpful.

Although I have never heard of these programs before todays class, I think the intent is good. There are hundreds of thousands of Jews who simply associate with the religion by saying they are Jewish. By teaching these people something new or engaging them in a Shabbat dinner, we are associating them to the religion. I think that these organizations should try and put themselves out there more such as on facebook or myspace so that more people will know about the great programs and oppurtunities they offer.