There’s a good chance you saw these awesome videos before. I love them. Even more than the videos, I respect the woman behind them. Just one girl, noticing that there was something to do and stepping up to plate.
People really want to know what it means to be Jewish. Don’t let the media be the ones to tell them. Let’s tell them ourselves. Through our actions and through explanations. People are curious. And YOU are an ambassador.
And if being Jewish comes with stereotypes, how much more so, being a Torah Jew. It can look totally baffling. Keeping the Torah means we run on an entire different set of values then the mainstream. And wow, can that look weird!
Dressing a certain way, eating certain foods, having large families and a calling it a holiday when we eat matzoh!
When I get dressed for a wedding, together with my tichel, I put on a splash of confidence and purpose. I know that not everyone there will be Jewish or religious.
Do you know how out of place that feels? Everyone knows whats going on, and the guest is politely wondering things like “what now?” after the chuppa ceremony.
So I introduce myself, “Hi, I’m Rivka Malka, how would you like a little tour (of the proceedings)? Or simply, “Hi, I’m the welcoming committee!
Wearing a tichel, I’m called to this mission. It’s like I’m screaming. “I’m VERY Jewish!”
The truth is, you may not be comfortable doing that. In that case, don’t worry. Just introduce yourself. Simply by engaging someone new, Jewish or non Jewish in conversation (even without explanations) you’ve already broke through 600 stereotypes and fears.
And you know what the greatest secret fear is? The fear that we think they’re not good enough. That we look down on them.
Ironic, no? Because, for so many observant women the fear is the same. “They look down on me. I look stupid to them.”
Hey, maybe we all suffer from a little insecurity!
At the beginning of our daily prayers we say “G-d, open up my lips, so my mouth can tell your Praises.”
R Yitzcha Kirzner z’l, teaches something so critical. He says that it’s only when we open up our mouths, when we communicate, that we can begin to tell Your praises; begin to see the good in the other person.
So we’ve got to stop being so scared, open up a little. See that the woman standing near you is your sister. That we’re all children of One G-d and that we possess a holy soul. All of us.
Great job, Jew in the City!
I bet you’ll check out more of her videos on youtube!
Have fun!
Beautifully put, as always! Insecurity can really be a terribly debilitating part of life. What are your thoughts on combatting insecurity?
Hi Jaimie, Thanks for commenting. Its sucha cozy feeling seeing your pictures in London then sharing this site with you. I love your question – its a longish answer. (One I have a feeling you might be finding your own answer toon your grand journey) I’ll be writing a longer post about it
Love this. In terms of combatting insecurity, Jaimie, I found that simply starting small was the best thing. Sharing a smile, a thought, a warm hug can change lives (and also change stereotypes)! Once you realize how much a small action can influence others (it’s a ripple affect), you will be inspired to do more, and more, and more. And suddenly you will realize that you are no longer insecure because you have realized your infinite worth.
You’re so wise andrea. I’ll be writing more about the topic and I love what you said, I”m going to incorperate it. thanks!
Rivka Malka, thought about telling you this, and now I see this related post so here’s my chance!In a previous post “(Don’t)Talk to strangers, you wrote about “hemming and hawing” feeling insecure, etc. before approaching a stranger in SMM, similar to the theme in this post. I was recently in Israel and was very pained by tension I had experienced in certain situations between the religious and non-religious (I being religious and very much appearing so). One evening I was on a bus sitting next to a young woman who did not appear religious. She had a friendly look about her and I thought “here’s my chance – break the barrier”. Often my thoughts remain just that, THOUGHTS. And then your post floated through my head and WOULDN’T GIVE ME PEACE! “Say hi” “She may want quiet time (me)” “give it a try” you get the idea. Well, I took the plunge, and having my adorable toddler with me gave the perfect conversation piece. After 15 minutes of friendly conversation, and me learning some Hebrew, the woman went off the bus with a smile on her face. Wanted to give you feedback, that your post help me muster the courage! Keep up the good work.
This brought tears to my eyes! I’m so overwhelmed with joy!This brings me so much nachas! Yasher Koach!
Wow, you have given me the courage to seek to do the same when I return to Israel for the summer… I always felt shy in situations such as these because of my limited Hebrew. Thank you and yashar koach!