Proud to be a Jewess patriot

A Jewess is a Jewish woman or girl.  Recently, I received an email from a liberal Jewish woman calling me offensive for being proud to be called a Jewess.  

Jewishness is passed down through a mother.  A husband praises his Aishes Chayil every Friday night as kiddish is highlighted at the Shabbos meal.  Jewish women have the blessing of  protecting their home.  “Grant us your protection (as yeast in Hebrew is called shimarim which translates to protection) now and always. Please Hashem, allow me to feel joy for others as well. Bless me with tranquility, inner peace so I can continue doing mitzvot.”

History changed because of the beauty and brains of Jewesses like Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel, Esther and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka and Golda Meir and Anne Frank.

Whether advocating for Israel or American issues, I can definitely be called a patriot.  I vigorously support my country, The United States, and am prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors, even those within its borders.

We Should Be Proud To Be Jewess Patriots

Regardless of where you are reading this, if you are Jewish and a legal resident of a country that allows you as a woman to practice your religion freely, choose how to practice Judaism, offers you opportunities in education, in employment, in speaking up and advocacy, in participating in a judicial system punishes those that abuse, rape and take advantage of women.

In a time of anger, fear and record levels of anti-Semitism that has not been seen since the Holocaust, it’s time not only to embrace our Jewess patriotism, but share it.  

That is why I am so proud to be The Jewess Patriot.  I get to share the best of our culture, the important contributions of Jews to history and learn more about how international Jews live.

I get to share these facts with non-Jews and find common ground we need to live together and thrive.

One thing I have learned from being The Jewess Patriot is that people are fascinated with Jewish culture and Israel, especially advocates of Judeo-Christian values.  

I am amazed when asked about chicken soup recipes and kosher wines.  I love reporting on the latest trends in modest dressing that goes way beyond Orthodox women’s closets. I am constantly asked about Jewish women who are leaders in their fields, especially religious public figures like Judge Rachel “Ruchie” Freier or actress Mayim Bialik.

Patriots share the same values of neighbors regarding religious affiliations.  Everyone wants a good economy, safe communities, quality education and protections of constitutional laws.  It’s how we view to achieve them that is where we need to improve our communication and compromising practices.

I find there are so many people today searching for who they are, what they want to achieve  and assimilating into a multicultural society, they forget they are Jewesses and patriots.  Influenced by social media and endless streaming entertainment, they are told to be everything but what they are best equipped to achieve success as, Jewess Patriots.

It’s time to stop finding new labels.  It’s time to find roots.   They are wonderful.

For me, how lucky I am to be an American.  How lucky I am that I had grandparents that were college educated with advanced degrees.   How lucky I am that relatives are alive that survived the horrors of the Shoah.  How lucky am I to stand in Times Square in New York and speak up against Israel badgers and anti-Semites.  How lucky am I to have non-Jewish friends who respect the fact that I won’t speak on the phone on Shabbat or attend their children’s weddings on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.

We are so lucky to be Jewess Patriots, especially in this crazy world today!  Embrace it, don’t mock it!