Judaism asks two things.

Be a proud Jew in whichever way you express yourself, culturally, level of observance, and to keep growing as well as serving your purpose in this world.

Teach your children to be a proud Jew.

Our ancestors and immediate families sacrificed for us to live fully as Jews, with our Torah laws, holidays and way of life. Throughout history, there has been persecution and antisemitism. My parents boldly took my brother and I out of the USSR for exactly this reason. They were professionals, all of their families were there, but the continuation of their children as Jews was the priority.

I am so grateful that my mother is so connected spiritually, always having faith and trust. My father jumped into a new country, new language and worked 24/7 to provide a future for our family. I see the miraculous way I met my husband, through two ladies that were students in my fitness class, and how I also married our beautiful community. I love learning, I love Torah, and we are very strict with Shabbat, Kosher and Holidays. Thank God this is what my children know as the norm, there are absolutely no electronics one day a week, and in this day and age to disconnect is essential. The Holiday of Passover is about passing on our Jewish history and traditions to our children. Funny story, yesterday I went to six stores in Jerusalem, and all of them were sold out of Matza! I feel everyone is like family, and last Shabbat a nice couple I met walking down the street invited me to their Seuda Shlishi, third meal. That couple saved me again as I knocked on their door as a last attempt to bring my kids home some Matzah. Baruch Hashem, they had plenty and gave me two boxes.

Many people are drawn toward societal norms and the excitement of life. I was one of those people. My goal was to have fun, travel and be free. I saw it all and enjoyed every minute. Now I see how blessed I was to get married and give my children a Jewish way of life. Money, fame and the pursuit of living life to the fullest for many people eventually feels empty. Each person has a unique mission, and I feel my mission is so clear because of my journey. I had fun making a video about my life in the 90’s, enjoy!

View this post on Instagram

If this resonates, great, keep reading. If not and you are happy with where you are in life and where you want to go. Also great.

It makes me sad when Jewish people around the world are disconnected from each other and the knowledge and importance of Jewish history. Many people coming to America shed their past experiences, because of pain or wanting to forge a new identity. I feel that this can be done while clinging to Torah and our Jewish roots. There are so many different ways to explore online or in many different types of Jewish communities.

In Torah Studies, by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, I read about “Slavish Imitation.” This term jumped out at me last Shabbat. It perfectly describes the lure of money, power and fame that is very similar to Idol worship. People worship celebrities, athletes and the music we sing affects our subconscious. To each their own, but be present and acknowledge what you are feeding your brain and your children’s brains. What all of this has in common, is ego thinking that we are the ones that have created the success in our lives. Also giving power to nature, astrology or even other people to control you or the world. I love that in Judaism, Tzedaka is the first introduction a child has to money. It is about charity, giving back and putting a portion of your earnings toward the less fortunate. However, money could be used for good, and ideally we will all be wealthy using our gifts and making society better as we give back to our fellow humans. I am reading a book about a healthy approach to money and success, The Wealthy Spirit by Chellie Campbell. This section is about what we tell ourselves, and how it becomes our reality.

When you know it is all in God’s hands and God’s plan, there is such a peace in surrender. We do our part, and then let go. We are counting the Omer from the second night of Passover until Shavuot. Today is Hod B’Hesed, a kind surrender.

As we go into the final days of Pesach, we experience the splitting of the sea in our own lives, but only if we allow it. Hashem is in charge. Let go. Let God.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)