Wearing My Chai with Pride

These days, outwardly displaying our Judaism is challenging. Our visibility ranges from Orthodox men walking around with their yarmulkes and tzitzit (fringes) to women wearing long dresses and sheitels (wigs). Others wear jewelry featuring Jewish symbols, such as the chai, Magen David (Star of David), or Chamsa. Sadly, people have been attacked and even murdered simply for being seen in this garb.

It is time to expand upon my first Times of Israel Blogs post, “I Will Not Be a Hostage. None of Us Should Be.” In it, I wrote about how people fear appearing openly Jewish.

A few days ago, I was walking toward City Winery for its “Spicy Jews” comedy night. I walked down the block in my black blazer, long-sleeved black Henley T-shirt, 501s, and Docs, with my grandfather’s gold chai prominently displayed around my neck. I own several pieces of Jewish jewelry, but I chose this one because it belonged to my grandfather and because of a lesson I learned in Jerusalem.

Years ago, over Shabbat, a recently departed rabbi in Jerusalem’s Old City looked directly at the Kotel(Western Wall) from his rooftop and taught us the true meaning of chai. We all know it means life. But Rabbi Schlass, using gematria (Jewish numerology), explained what it really means. He told us it signifies vitality and living with vibrancy. Wearing the chai felt perfect for that exact moment.

As I headed toward the venue, I saw a man walking his dog. He was wearing khakis and a white T-shirt with the Israeli flag in the center. He caught me smiling as he walked by, noticed my chai, and gave me a thumbs-up. I returned the gesture, and we parted ways, heading to our respective destinations.