Doesn’t this look like some hoity-toity Harry Winston set? ๐
I’ve been on the fence, for some odd reason, for months. And I honestly don’t know why. I grew up wearing cross necklaces – how was this any different? Just a different branch on the tree, right? Instead of a cross, it’s a sterling silver Star of David.
Just add to cart, SC. Why are you hesitating?
I finally decided to do it as a recital gift to myself. ๐
It came straight from Israel which made me so happy. I’ve always had a connection to Israel & her people. I opened it & I couldn’t stop smiling. This was it. This is the confirmation I needed. Now, I feel like a Jew. Not the tattoo, the tallit, or the Hebrew lessons I’ve been taking. This was the switch for me. I know that seems silly but it’s something I needed to do. ๐
I wear it all the time. I’m proud to show my heritage, my religion, & my culture. It reminds me of a necklace my Grandpa & Dad both wear. I believe they have ืื (“life”) in gold, which is more traditional. But it still helps me feel connected to them if that makes sense.
It is interesting to me that the only people who look at me sideways are Christians. Especially when they see my tattoo of a red cross in a blue Star of David on my left wrist. They look at me like I’m confused & flaky. It’s not as if I’m an atheistic Hindu or something contradicting like that (does such a person exist?). I’m the other half of the Judeo-Christian coin. That’s all. Where is the confusion?
I had yet another experience with this the other day.
I was speaking to an elderly man (he’s 89 & you’d never know it!) & he brought up my necklace after commenting on his cross necklace:
“I see you’re wearing a Star of David necklace.”
Yes, I am! I love it very much.
“I have one of those too.”
Oh yeah? That’s cool!
“I didn’t want to wear both of them though. I think people would think I’m confused.”
…Sigh. Here we go again…
Why can’t you do both?
“Well…you know…”
No, I don’t. What do you mean?
About this time, a 50-something woman jumps in to save the tension & proudly says, “Have you seen her wrist? She has both!” I appreciated her effort & her heart is in the right place, but I can fight my own battles. ๐
His nose slightly curls up & he says, “Oh, I saw that, too.”
Okay, this is getting awkward. I’m not gonna fight with this old man who’s set in his ways.
Well, my mother’s side is Christian & my father’s side is Jewish. This tattoo represents me. I’m a mix of both.
“I thought it used to be the Jewish family was on the mother’s side.”
Traditionally, it is. It’s carried through the mother versus the father. So this is my choice to carry it on for my family.
He smirks like I’m just some lost child who doesn’t know what the hell she’s talking about while clearly biting his tongue.
I politely smile back & change topics.
I don’t understand why Christians don’t get it. There’s this on-going tension, maybe even hate between Jews & Christians. Christians blame Jews for the crucifixion of Jesus even though the ROMANS crucified Him, not the Jews. Do your research, right? ๐ I also think it’s because Jews have been the scapegoats for thousands of years so I’m sure there is some prejudice in there as well.
I’ve been asked so many times I can’t keep track, “Isn’t that kinda conflicting? I mean, having both like that?” No, you fool. And here’s another shocker – I’m not the only one who feels this way. There are hundreds of thousands of us out there.
Several months ago, MM asked me about my beliefs. He’s a Christian & when I first met him over 20 years ago, I was one as well. It’s only been the last 5-10 years that I’ve shifted over towards Judaism. I told him I consider myself to be a Messianic Jew & he totally got it. No side eye, no judgment, no hate. I think he said, “Awesome!” or something to that effect. That was the first time someone from my past accepted this part of me. Even my own family scoffs at it.
Any friends I’ve made in my adult life are super cool & accepting.
- One of my best friends, LC, is also a Jew. We’re talking about going to a synagogue together which would just be the bee’s knees! She also ordered the necklace so we’re twinsies now! Hahaha!
- DD bought a mezuzah, Pesach set, & has been very open & eager to learn about Jewish culture. Like a sponge, they want to soak it up! OMG funny story – one time, I was picking up loose change someone dropped on the ground. Then I hear from behind me, “How to trap a Jew…” Hahaha! I love their sense of humor!
- LH is amazing & encouraging for me to find a temple that I would love. I have yet to meet a soul as wonderful & accepting towards Jewish culture as she is! She’ll ask me about the holidays & is completely respectful. Seriously, she’s the best.
- CR will occasionally message me questions or funny memes. Just today I told her I had an awesome bagel & she asked if I added lox to it. I didn’t so she joked that I was a “bad Jew.” ๐
- KM made Hanukkah cookies (versus Christmas cookies) just for me. They were delicious & I was so touched by her thoughtfulness!
My friends are incredible, amazing, & loving. If only more people were like them… โค
I LOOOOOOOVEย this list of values!
finding my truth 