BIQsummer2020

TO OUR 5780/2020 CONFIRMATION STUDENTS!
Daniella Abbott
Frances Altes
Hillary Altes
Gabrielle Biederman
Emily Boodman
Kate Chasin
Sarah Dean
Trevor DePodesta
Emily Fisher
Julia Galperin
Elizabeth Gardner
Liora Krantz
Anna Livingstone
David Lutz
Jeremy Mandel
Marina Nevin
Rachel Prager
Matthew Remish
Max Rosenblum
Cade Schwartz
Simone Shupper
Melanie Spitzberg
Olivia Stabile
Andrew Valdez
Sydney Wilensky
What does Judaism mean to YOU? Here are some snippets:
Daniella Abbott
I realized what Judaism meant to me when I went to my
first NFTY event. It made me realize that Judaism means
community and friendship. I feel like I’m given a sense
of belonging. I went to my first NFTY event only really
knowing a few people, but by the time I left I had a whole
group of friends that are still a big part of my life today.
Kate Chasin
The moment that makes me proud to be a Jew was
during our L’Taken trip. We put our arms around each
other, at 11 at night, and quietly sang Hashkiveinu in
the hotel hallway. The moment was so precious, and
so powerful. That moment truly made me proud to be
a Jew. It confirmed, in my mind, who I was as a Jew.
Yes, I am a social Jew. Yes, I am a cultural Jew. Yes, I
am a religious Jew. And yes, I am a musical Jew. But my
identity, truly and simply, is a proud Jew.
Julia Galperin
Nearly three years ago, I stood in front of this
beautiful congregation as a bat mitzvah. As I taught
the crowd about my Torah portion and as we sang
together, I glimpsed at the faces of friends and family,
as well as many others. Right then, I felt a strong
sense of community and connection. No matter where
I am, religious school, on the Bimah, camp, or even at
home, I feel a sense of community and it makes me
realize how meaningful Judaism is to me.
4 SUMMER 2020 / 5780
Liora Krantz
Beth Israel is my home where I have enjoyed pursuing my
Jewish passions, growing my Jewish identity, and creating
many friendships. I believe that every time when I am
at Beth Israel, I am confirming my faith to myself, those
around me, and opening up to others why I am here.
Anna Livingstone
At the end of this past year’s Yom Kippur service, I
heard the opening notes of my favorite song, L’Dor
VaDor. After just a few lines, I became overwhelmed
with emotion and tears. As I let the beautiful lyrics
wash over me – with my mom by my side supporting
me in the sanctuary where I grew up, surrounded by
the music and synagogue that I love, that although, I
was brought up with Judaism, I have now chosen it.
Rachel Prager
One of the moments from our L’Taken trip that
confirmed my Jewish identity was a visit to the
Holocaust Museum. It was in the Hall of Remembrance
when we wrapped our arms around each other and
sang prayers that my Jewish identity was confirmed.
Being surrounded by other Jews saying prayer in such
a devastating part of our past made me realize how
lucky I am to be a Jew and that I want it to be a part of
my identity forever.
Matt Remish
A moment in the past year that confirmed my Jewish
identity spending my Sunday mornings at Beth
Israel, being a Madrich for 2nd graders. I became
close with the students and I realized I found joy in
helping out with children. Working with those 2nd
graders and earning their trust really made me feel
closer to Judaism and made me realize I was doing a
mitzvah every week when I walked into that classroom,
knowing that the students were about to have a fun
morning of learning about Judaism.
Olivia Stabile
A few months ago, during winter break I was missing
class, I missed the students I would see every Sunday
and Thursday. I decided to see if I could find some
of my favorite songs on Spotify. The first song that I
played was “Who By Fire,” one of my favorite songs
from Rosh Hashana, and one of the first songs I
learned to sing in choir. I immediately burst out crying,
because that song, that tune, held such beautiful
memories of Rosh Hashana services, of warmth and
familiarity. I finally felt like I was a part of a synagogue.
Andrew Valdez
One of the moments I really felt connected was during
our L’Taken trip outside of Kamala Harris’ office in the
Senate building. I looked to my right as I walked in
and saw various flags. Among them was the flag of the
United States, a trans pride flag, a gay pride flag and a
sign in Spanish that said “all dreamers are welcome.”
Knowing my family history and who I am now, I know
that I am me and being Jewish and having that being
a part of who I am and my identity is important to me
and I wouldn’t change it for anyone or anything.