Size 10

Walking in someone's shoes is often the best way to truly understand their experiences in life. It is these experiences which create and/or influence our beliefs. Furthermore, it gives insight into the nuances of their life, the pride they carry, and the challenges they face. So, step into my Size 10 shoes, and I'll take you on a journey - a personal chronicle of my life as a proud Jew.

Every culture and religion imparts its own set of unique experiences. For me, my Jewish heritage weaves a colorful story which tells the story of generations. It's in the Yom Kippur fasts, the radiant glow of the Hanukkah menorah, the amazing sounds of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. It's a story of tradition, values, and identity - I’m a Jew!

Picture a young boy in the heart of Texas, proudly sporting a New York Jets outfit in a sea of Dallas Cowboys fans (I’m a huge Cowboy fan but the Jets were more popular back then). That was me. Like yours, my childhood was pure in its innocence, where differences were celebrated rather than ostracized. However, as time progressed, the weight of being different grew heavier.

A bitter memory still lingers from my middle school years when I vied for the position of student council class president. Swastikas painted on my house and death threats were my initiation into the brutal world of anti-Semitism. It was a wake-up call, one that made me question my identity but not give up on it.

Fast forward, and it's a grim realization that anti-Semitism is far from extinct. When prejudice confronted my daughter at a school and my son was marginalized on a sports team, it was clear that even as the world preached inclusivity, the shadows of intolerance loomed large - very large. The strife in the Middle East only adds fuel to these smoldering fires of prejudice. They existed, but were not omnipresent. Yet, when Israel defends itself - hate becomes commonplace and gas is thrown on these lingering fires.

Yet, being Jewish is not just a story of challenges, it's a testament to resilience and strength. Through economic ups and downs, over the last 40+ years, my father's unwavering commitment to charity was embodied by the deep-rooted values of our faith. We evolved, and continued to give back to our communities and to Israel.

The legacy of the Jewish people is not one solely of persecution but of perseverance. Our identity, carved by both adversity and triumph, drives Jews to excel. A lesson which has been a cornerstone in my family is the value of integrity which is an undying commitment to truth and righteousness. My life's compass, and that of Susan and our kids as well, is deeply rooted in our Jewish heritage, and has always pointed towards it. Integrity is the one thing no one can take from us and the one thing we have 100% control over.

As age begins to play its tricks with more medications, occasional memory lapses, etc... my Jewish identity remains a steadfast anchor. It is the heartbeat of my existence, dictating my values, shaping my world view, and becoming my daily resolve. It's what binds my family together, creating an unbreakable bond.

In the events which make up life, being Jewish presents its own set of challenges and joys. And in the face of all adversity, I’m not one to take a back seat as never letting this happen again is NOW. So to be clear, I stand with Israel, and I vehemently oppose anti-Semitism. Now, as I retrieve my shoes, I know this - this Texan is on a mission, a mission to drive change, one person at a time, one day at a time. By the way, I don’t like to walk alone; thus, feel free to grab a pair of shoes and let’s walk together and change the world.?

It’s going to be a long walk as we have a lot of work to do to create peace in this world.