Every Wednesday night I get to spend 2 hours with 60 holy Jews. This post is for them.
There’s Sara, whose father is keeping Shabbos and is finding out on her own that she likes it too. And there’s Matt who was surprised when week after week there was no bagels and lox at the tables he was invited to. There’s Meghann and Jaime, twins, who came after 6 months of hesitation and are now thinking about how more people can come learn about their Judaism. There’s Jen, who woke up one day knowing that only Torah would fill the void and joined WOW that very night.
Then there’s Marcus – found us on the internet for a Yom Kippur service. And Joan, who walks a mile to get here on Shabbos – she’s an only child and has to champion to keep kosher.There’s Janet and Michael, a couple who met in Israel. And there’s Jacob, the actor and Jennifer, the lawyer. And so many more. Each one precious and special. Each one a whole world.
More and more Jewish souls. Like dehydrated children on a hot summer’s day, who, when offered a drink take seconds and thirds.
What I experience at WOW is a reunion. Like a young man meeting his biological parents for his first time and wanting to know everything, peppering them with questions, pressing them for answers. All his roots, all our roots bound up in the pages of our history and in the meaning of the Torah.
And the struggle. The transition.The small changes. The saying “I may enjoy where I am but this, this is home.This is my blood, this is my reason.
Maybe they just say “I like learning about being Jewish.”
Those words are the sweetest recognition, like a child saying Mama for the first time. Simple words that mean so much.
But children isn’t an apt metaphor – after all, my WOW friends are giants.
Have you ever stepped completely out of your comfort zone for the truth?
Have you ever pursued something that none of your friends were interested in, or even understood?
Have you ever taken a good hard look at your life and had the courage to change?
The people that I meet at WOW do all of this and more.
Every Jew who comes back to his Judaism does all this and more. They deserve a medal of honor.
They have the option of ignoring the nagging restlessness. They can get busy or stay busy or choose to settle for average but they choose courage instead. They choose to live life alive with purpose.
…and travel across the city to WOW, or across the world to Israel. Or across the bridge to the Path that leads them home.
Thank you.
thank you for inspiring us! we learn so much from your growth
Beautifully said, as always.
…and there’s Jaimie, following her calling, all the way to the Holy Land!
“Have you ever stepped completely out of your comfort zone for the truth?”
You are so eloquent my friend and this particular line reminds me of my father o”h. Although not in this context. He was not a public figure but strived for what he believed in. When he saw things not being practised right and no one stepping up he would go out of his comfort zone and say things that put him in an uncomfortable place. He was a doer not just a talker. If none else would volunteer to get a job done, he would. and he would make sure it was done to the final detail. Your incredible group deserves its name WOW! in capitals! They aren’t just sitting back, they are coming to learn, hear and mingle with other Jewish souls and from the most wonderful teacher. I am in awe of you all and hope i can make a brave choice as you do.
Judy, I remember your father – a real man. Thank you for inspiring me and telling us a little about him. He’s the kind of person we need. Not one to make a big deal – just a doer.And I know you, you make brave choices every day. This post was a about newness – wait till I write about the strength it takes to stick with the mission!
Seriously found this in a fortune cookie last night….” Courage conquers all things, it even gives strength to the body!”
What you wrote “They have the option of ignoring the nagging restlessness. They can get busy or stay busy or choose to settle for average but they choose courage instead. They choose to live life alive with purpose.”…so powerful and really hit home for me! I stayed busy for so long, and then almost 3yrs ago chose to start thinking differently. WOW really sounds like a special place! Keep up the amazing work and togetherness!
Thank you Lillie! you’re one of those I was talking about!
Thank you for opening your heart up in such a courageous way to facilitate everyone else’s courage!
You know, I’m the lucky one!
A mile and a half each way.. but not counting. It’s always worth the long walks. Thank you for writing this (though why you were up before 6am is beyond me).
Hey Joan – you’re famous! Down here – and up there too!