Lucia
Favorite traditional Jewish food: I really like latkes, those are good with applesauce!
Favorite Jewish holiday: Hannukah. Or any time I can spend time with family. How would you describe your identity? I am white, female, Italian because I’m 50 percent. I’m an Italian Jew. Do you feel like your looks and experiences are included in the general picture of what a Jewish woman is? Going along with the stereotype, I’d say no. I don’t feel like I fit in to that kind of picture. The stereotype, to me, would be specific features like curlier hair, which I don’t have. In my view, I don’t believe in that stereotype, so I would say that I fit into the wider picture of what Judaism actually looks like. |
How does this affect your feelings about Judaism?
It doesn’t negatively affect it. At [my synagogue], they are really accepting of everything. Everyone has different views. It is less of a totally religious thing and more of a place to go and gather and share ideas, whether it relates to Judaism or not. That helps me feel not feel so bad about not being completely Jewish. Do you feel like you have been generally welcomed in Judaism? Why or why not? I think so. Like I said before, [my synagogue] is really welcoming. There was one girl who said she was an atheist at her bat mitzvah, and everyone was cool with it. She could still continue with Jewish ideologies. Are there times where you have felt excluded because of your various identities? It is kind of hard being with friends who’s Jewish identity is a bigger part of them. I don’t necessarily feel excluded, but people know more stuff than me. They know more about the stories and the Torah, they have grown up more in that world. Does identifying as Jewish play an important role in your life? Yeah. I think the lessons I have learned and the ideas of how to be a better person that I learned growing up have influenced me a lot. What is your favorite part about being Jewish? I like going to my Grandma and Grandpa’s house and having all my family there. I like the community and family. |
"It is less of a totally religious thing and more of a place to go and gather and share ideas, whether it relates to Judaism or not." |