Embracing My Jewish Identity

The author advocating for Hadassah. Photo courtesy of the author.

In a world where identities are often layered and complex, I’ve found that, for me, being Jewish is the core of who I am. It is not merely one part of my identity but the essence of my being. This is not to dismiss or diminish the significance of my nationality but to recognize that my Jewish identity is deeply rooted in history, culture and faith—a connection that transcends geographical borders.

A Legacy of Resilience and Faith
To understand why I identify so strongly as a Jew, one must appreciate the profound sense of history and continuity that comes with being part of the Jewish people. For thousands of years, Jews have maintained a distinct identity, surviving oppression, displacement and attempts at erasure. The resilience of the Jewish community is a testament to the strength of our faith, values and traditions. I am a link in that unbroken chain and that connection shapes how I see the world and my place in it.

Growing up, I was immersed in the rich tapestry of Jewish life. Shabbat dinners, holidays like Passover and Hanukkah and the stories of my ancestors, who carried their Judaism through the darkest of times, instilled in me a sense of pride and belonging. These experiences were not just cultural observances; they were acts of defiance and survival, a way of saying, “We are still here.” Being Jewish is not just something I do; it is something I am.

The Moral Compass of Judaism and the Role of Hadassah
Judaism provides a moral framework that guides my life choices and values. Its concept of tikkun olam—repairing the world—is a call to action, urging me to contribute to the betterment of society. This guiding principle is not bound by the borders of any one nation but is a universal call to justice, compassion and healing. One of the most inspiring examples of tikkun olam in action is the work of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America.

Hadassah embodies the Jewish commitment to healing, both physically and spiritually. For over a century, Hadassah has been at the forefront of medical care, research and education in Israel, serving people of all backgrounds and faiths. Its two world-class medical research and treatment hospitals in Jerusalem, which comprise the Hadassah Medical Organization, are beacons of hope, where Jewish and Arab doctors and nurses treat patients regardless of their ethnicity or religion. To me, this is the essence of Jewish values—extending compassion and care beyond one’s own community to help heal the world.

When I volunteer for Hadassah or advocate on its behalf, I am not just supporting an organization. I am actively participating in the life of our Jewish community. I feel a profound connection to my heritage, knowing that I am contributing to the mission of tikkun olam alongside fellow Jews.

Whether it’s supporting groundbreaking medical research and life-saving surgeries or advocating for healthcare access, my involvement with Hadassah reinforces my sense of belonging to something much greater than myself. It’s a powerful reminder that we, as Jews, have a responsibility to each other and to the world.

Navigating Dual Identities
There is no denying that being Jewish today comes with its own set of challenges and complexities. Antisemitism, unfortunately, remains a reality, as does the pressure to assimilate into a predominantly non-Jewish culture. I have often found myself navigating the delicate balance between embracing my Jewish identity and fitting into the broader national landscape.

However, this duality has taught me resilience. I am proud of the Jewish traditions that set me apart, even when they make me different from those around me. Observing holidays that are not part of the mainstream American calendar, keeping kosher or taking time to reflect on Jewish history and its struggles, all reinforce my commitment to my Jewish roots. And, in moments where I see the impact of organizations like Hadassah, I am reminded of the unique contributions Jews can make to the world by staying true to our identity.

Being Jewish is not just a matter of faith but a living, breathing culture and community. It is the feeling of kinship I experience with a fellow Jew, whether from New York, Tel Aviv or Buenos Aires. It is knowing that no matter where I go, there is a community that will welcome me as family. By the same token, my Jewishness is the lens through which I view the world, the foundation upon which my values are built.

I honor the part of my identity that has survived centuries of upheaval, exile and renewal. Through organizations like Hadassah, I see how  tikkun olam is an enduring legacy—a reminder that being Jewish is  about being part of a community that strives to make a difference. It’s about healing the world, one life at a time.

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Stacey is a member of the Hadassah Writers’ Circle, a dynamic and diverse writing group for leaders and members to express their thoughts and feelings about all the things Hadassah does to make the world a better place, to celebrate their personal Hadassah journeys and to share their Jewish values, family traditions and interpretations of Jewish texts. Since 2019, the Hadassah Writers’ Circle has published nearly 450 columns in the Times of Israel Blog and other Jewish media outlets. Interested? Please contact hwc@hadassah.org.