2001 - United Synagogue Youth

ShalhevetFinding Myselfby Erika NehrbassFor as long as I can remember attendingHebrew school, I can also rememberbeing confused about my true Jewishidentity. I was a normal second grader, butunlike the other kids in my Hebrew school, Iwas a second grader with a non-Jewish father.I knew from the moment I was toldthis that I was very different. Throughout myelementary, junior high, and some of my highschool years, things were the same as theyhad always been for my family. Although mydad supported what we believed in, whenmy mom and the rest of my siblings and Iwent to temple, Dad slept in. Mom and mybrother and sisters lit Hanukah candles andDad watched silently. As a Jew I still didn’tsee any problem with the way my siblingsPhoto by Jackie Topol.and I were raised, but I soon learned that Ihad created my own barriers by rejecting such observances such as keeping Shabbat and kashrut.It wasn’t until USY Encampment this past summer that I discovered my true Jewish identity. Iwas in a camp with hundreds of other USYers, some of whom were much more observant than myself.Participating in all the Jewish activities and discussions with others made me feel especially connectedto my friends. Being a camper and participating in all kinds of Jewish discussion groups made me feeleven more connected to my Jewish identity. The identity I had searched to find for a long time wasfinally being uncovered.Whoever said that the children of an interfaith marriage can’t be religious? Judaism doesn’t,but I did. At this point in my life, I have decided to change the beliefs I had written in stone at the ageof seven. Judaism has never taught me that I am a bad person because of the life I lead, but it is nowthat I realize I want to choose another path. Although I wasn’t originally the same as every otherHebrew school student, I have still reached the same point in my life. I want religion to be an importantpart of my life, and I am determined to reach this goal. Someone once said that “the road to afriend’s house is never far,” and Judaism is now my friend. I have found my true identity.31