I AM JEWISH: LAUREN LOURIE
I am Jewish because I was raised in a Jewish home. My home was filled with love and Jewish traditions. While we didn't attend services regularly, my fond memories include holidays spent with the family and going out for Shabbat lunch with my friends after Junior Congregation.
I am Jewish because I went to a Jewish preschool. Each year at the SSECC parent orientation, I show a picture of my preschool class at Beth Yeshurun in Houston and can still name everyone in the picture. While I may not be close now with those pictured, we are still friendly via Facebook and when I make visits back home. I cherish those times with my preschool friends.
I am Jewish because I went to a Jewish Day school. I could say “enough said,” but that wouldn't do Beth Yeshurun Day School justice. There I learned Jewish values and was taught to practice and uphold them. I am Jewish because I learned Hebrew for prayers and conversations each day.
I am Jewish because I went to a Jewish sleep-away camp. Camp Young Judaea holds a special place in my heart. Not only was I a camper, but also a staff member. I grew up there and it taught me my independence.
I am Jewish because I love Israel and my six weeks in Israel at 16-years-old taught me a lot about Judiasm and our culture and how American Jews differ from Israeli Jews.
I am Jewish because I joined a Jewish sorority at Indiana University and I went to Hillel for the holidays. Perhaps my favorite memory of being in a Jewish sorority was finding out during Passover (which I was trying so HARD to keep), that I the matzah I was eating wasn’t kosher for Passover matzah. (Who knew that was a thing?!)
I am Jewish because I married a Jew. Ironically, this has been something that has helped me find my Judiasm more. I grew up Conservative and married into a Reform family. While my holidays seem a little different, I take pride in knowing that no matter what, we're all Jewish.
I am Jewish because I am raising my children Jewish.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly to me right now, I am Jewish because I am the director of a Jewish preschool. It is important to me that we are laying the foundation of Judiasm early. I want to start teaching our children at a young age to love Judiasm and be proud Jews, even when this world sometimes tries to tell us otherwise. I love seeing our children learn about Jewish values, prayers, and celebrate Shabbat. I love seeing our non-Jewish families participate and I love giving our interfaith families space to do what's best for them within our preschool. There is nothing more meaningful than seeing the light in all of the preschoolers eyes as we celebrate being Jewish together.
It is tradition to read Psalm 27 every day during Elul.
PSALM 27
God is my light and my refuge secure - whom shall I fear?
God is the stronghold of my life - of whom should I be afraid?
When those who act with malice would devour me with words,
it is they who stumble, they who fall.
If an army were to take up arms against me, my heart would not fear.
If war were waged against me, still I would trust.
Just one thing I have asked of God; only this do I seek:
to dwell in God’s house all the days of my life,
to behold divine sweetness and beauty, and to gaze in delight at God’s Temple.
God shelters me in times of hardship, shields me in a tent of divine protection,
raises me high on a rock - so that now my head rises above enemies around me.
Let me make offerings in that tent - the offerings of a joyful cry.
Let me sing hymns, and celebrate the One who is eternal - Adonai.
Hear my voice when I call; God, answer me with grace.
My heart spoke for you - it said, “Seek My face.” Your face, Adonai, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, nor angrily turn away Your faithful one -
the one You have sustained. My God-of-rescue, do not desert me!
When my father and mother have gone, God will gather me in.
Teach me your way, Adonai; and guide me on a straight path,
because of those who lie in wait for me.
Do not hand me over to the will of foes who rose against me -
lying witnesses and those whose very breath is violence.
If only I could believe that I will see God’s goodness
in the land of the living. . .
Wait for Adonai
Be strong of heart, and be bold -- but wait for Adonai.
It is also tradition to hear the sound of the shofar each day during Elul. It is a wake up call to prepare for the upcoming holy days.
UHCSTL · Shofar 1
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