It wasn't until freshman year that I realized my Jewish identity holds the power to embarrass me. Well, sort of. It was my world history class, we were studying religions, and Judaism was the topic of discussion. A boy interrupted my teacher to tell him, “Lisey is Jewish”. When I looked around the classroom, I met the eyes of everyone staring at me. It felt like they were suddenly trying to figure me out. “What's there to figure out?” I thought. I'm Jewish. The only Jew in the entire classroom. 

Then a year later, in my sophomore year English class, we were reading the well-known novel, “Night” by Elie Wiesel. My teacher had crafted a list of topics covered in the book, and she wanted each student to choose a topic, research it, and present it. The very bottom of the list said “Bar/Bat Mizvahs, Rosh Hashannah, Passover” and in parentheses, “I would like a Jewish student to present this”. While each student was yelling out the topic they wanted to claim, she paused, looked at me, and said, “Lisey, you'll do the last one, right?” Obviously, I said yes. But I was confused. It's a research assignment; anyone can research this specific topic just as easily as anything else, right? Wrong. Apparently, I know it best. In a way that is true, I have personal experience with all of those events and holidays, and they don't. I know I should have felt honored to be the one to present this, but instead, I felt nervous. It was as if all the pressure fell on me to paint the Jewish people in an acceptable light. My teacher even asked me to include personal photos in my slideshow. The next week, I stood in front of the classroom, sharing my Bat Mitzvah photos. Me on the bima, reading from the torah, talit wrapped proudly around my shoulders. I expected to look at my classmates, eyes eager, wanting to know more. Instead, I saw squinted eyes, confused faces, and felt like an outcast. 

When I was little, I LOVED telling people I was Jewish. I told them at every chance I could get. But then around freshman year, that changed. I didn’t notice it happening at first. Now I see that as I became more aware of the world and the complications and judgments that come with my Jewish identity, I developed a hesitation. When someone asked if I’m Jewish, I hesitated a little. I still said yes, but it came out quieter, almost like a question. Like I was asking for permission. Like I was waiting to see if it’s okay with them. 

Now looking back on 2025, I see I was the most Jewish I have ever been. I went to 37 chapter programs, all my regional conventions, International Convention, along with  ILTC and Kallah over the summer.  From every one of those experiences, I've learned that it is more than okay to be Jewish. In fact, I realized it's something I should always be proud of, no matter what. No matter the looks I get, no matter someone else's opinion, no matter the politics or happenings in the world. Being Jewish goes way beyond the surface. Once I embraced it, I met new friends, created new traditions for myself, and had experiences I never would have imagined. 

If there is one thing for us to remember, let it be this: ALWAYS be proud to be Jewish.