International

As a young professional transplant and traveler who has lived in various cities, I am constantly on the lookout for new connections and friends. Passionate about all flavors of my Judaism, I often seek out Jewish groups of various denominations. In that exploration, I have come across a sad realization, which is this—in more Orthodox settings, not everyone is treated the same. I’ve lost count of how many people have asked me when visiting a new synagogue the very awkward question of “are you Jewish?” or worse “is your mother Jewish?” While I am fortunate to have been raised in a Conservative home and pass the proverbial test, I do sympathize with those who do not. If someone has decided to hold fast to HaShem, what should it matter who their parents were? [Teresa Konopka]