I originally came to Yarchei Kallah with only one purpose: to accompany somebody. However, as time has progressed through the week I’ve been discovering new personal questions that I feel can be helped or answered with the contributions of those around me. The past few days have provided me with a time to reflect on my religion, my upbringing, my exposure to other religions, and the connection that the people around me have to their faith and what importance that faith plays in the large picture of life. I know that with the support of the people around me, I’ll be able to develop my philosophies to include ideas of religion and outlooks reflecting the different levels of connection people have to religion.
“Many practices and ideas still appear foreign to me, but I know that if I have anything that requires clarification, I can ponder aloud, and build my understanding through the experience and connection of my study group.”
Religion has been a very interesting theme in my life, and has been for the most part a minor theme. I’m extremely grateful to be here at Yarchei Kallah because for almost all of my life, Judaism hasn’t been present, and at many points inaccessible. It means a lot to me that I am able to learn about basic ideas and practices of Judaism with kids who are more observant than me, while feeling comfortable in the environment to ask questions to better my understanding of what it means to identify as a Jew. For one of the few times in my life, I am able to ask questions that normally can’t be answered by the people of my surroundings. Although I am grateful that I grew up in the environment that I did (an atheist environment with Jewish practices for the sole purpose of cultural connection), many curiosities have remained from years passed, only now being resurfaced.
Today I had the extraordinary experience of moving in unison through the story of Purim with other NCSY participants from my region and a rabbi that I am familiar and comfortable with. Many practices and ideas still appear foreign to me, but I know that if I have anything that requires clarification, I can ponder aloud, and build my understanding through the experience and connection of my study group.
I have never been through something like this (Yarchei Kallah), and I mean that in a positive way. I still feel different, being one of the only kids who does not wear a kippah, or partake in organized prayer; but through each activity that passes on the Yarchei Kallah schedule, I not only understand Judaism more, but myself and what I believe and stand for. I have no doubt that in the coming days I will be able to further my exploration of what is unknown to me, and in fact, eagerly look forward to that exploration.
Jackson Nemeth
Senior, Shaker Heights High School, Cleveland