It seems like the rise in antisemitism is not going anywhere this fall, across school campuses from Pre-K to University. While sending my own back into the public education system, causes distress, I was wondering how our BMMC youth are doing. Let’s shine a light and see what positive attitudes are coming through in the midst of this dark narrative.
A Freshman in college speaks her truth
"I like to think that Hashem has a sense of humor. In today's political climate, I happen to fall into the three groups that receive arguably the most persecution. I am Jewish, a woman, and of African descent; a combination that is quite hard for the masses to not only accept but comprehend. Its' already difficult to be a believer at University, but amidst this way it has become ten times harder for Jews to feel free and safe on campus. At first glance, people don't expect me to be Jewish and because of that I am often in the background overhearing conversations that are inherently anti-Semitic or just blatantly against Israel. I am no stranger to discomfort, but eventually you get tired of being the minority and having to adhere to a world that hates you and what you stand for. Unfortunately, fear of persecutions has sent many Jewish students into hiding therefore preventing us from creating a real community. So how am I supposed to find where I belong in this new environment? I believe that Hashem has sent me here to create the space. This sense of belonging has always been called into question for me within my community. its difficult to go to events and be in circles here there is close to no one who looks like me. When choosing where to continue my secondary education I wanted a place that was diverse and accepting and while I haven't been fortunate enough to find mishpocha (family) at university I know Hashem is sending them my way. Adonai placed me where I am to be a light and representation for his kingdom. Due to us being a minority, I am incredibly conscious of the way I carry myself, my speech, and the things that I do. Everything that I do is not only a direct reflection on Judaism but also on black women and while many would see this as a burden to carry. I see it as a gift."
Nnena Ochuru Richardson
What must be going through a Middle Schoolers mind right about now? Let’s chat with one of our very own BMMC brothers.
A Boy and His Tzit-Tzit
Josiah age 12, has been wearing 4 knotted strings on his garments for the past several years. Visually this sets him apart from other kids in his public Junior High School. I wanted to ask him a couple questions about his perspective about wearing his identity out loud and proud.
What does it mean for you personally to wear tzit tzit on your clothes?
“Wearing Tzit Tzits reminds me of my responsibility as a child of God to live righteously by keeping God’s commandments and doing the right thing.”
What do other kids ask or say when they see you at school wearing Tzit Tzit?
“They just ask me why I wear those things on my waist.”
Josiah and his brother both wear white and blue tzit tzit cords on metal clasps that comfortably clip onto clothes. This style is convenient to clip on to shorts or pants with belt loops.
Have any teachers or other adults questioned about them?
“No adults or teachers ask me what they are for, although one teacher knew what it was and asked me if I got Bar Mitzvahed yet.”
Josiah is currently studying in his Bar Mitzvah class at BMMC and is looking forward to his celebration next year when he comes of age!
What advice would you give to another boy who is nervous about wearing Tzit Tzit for the first time?
“Don’t be nervous because Yeshua will be proud of you!”
How does wearing Tzit Tzit help you prepare for your Bar Mitzvah and being a son of the commandments?
“It helps because it causes me to learn more about God and His ways so that I can live out His commandments in my daily life.”
We are wishing Jo the best experience this year in the Middle School mayhem, that his representation would honor Hashem!
Elementary Musings
I also had the chance to ask Lior, in 5th grade what he thought about the mitzvah of wearing tzit tzit. He wears the Ashkenazi style talit underneath his shirt with the tassels hanging down.
He responded with the following;
“It makes me proud that I am able to represent my religion with what we are allowed to wear on our body. I’m happy when I see the tzit tzit because it reminds me that Hashem is watching over me and it reminds me to do the things he wants me to do. For boys who want to wear them, you might take a while to get used to them, they might feel like they are in the way all the time, especially when you need to go to the bathroom. But just be happy that you are able to wear them and that every time you look at it, it will remind you that Hashem is always watching over you.
Like to be honest, I’ve always wondered why it’s so important. Even though I know what it says in the Bible, and the parsha says it. I don’t know the full meaning yet I’m still learning. I haven’t worn my tzit tzit to school, only on Shabbat and to Synagogue. I think once I become a Bar Mitzvah I’ll wear them every day.
I gently replied to Lior; “Every time that you look at those knots and you hold the knots in your hand you’re supposed to be reminded of the fact that we’re supposed to be protecting, guarding and upholding all 613 commandments. And if you are going to be a son of the commandments, that means you are committing your lifestyle to uphold HaShem’s instructions.
Lior exclaimed that he was excited to start wearing his tzit tzit more frequently but didn’t want the tassels getting chewed on by puppies.
I’ll have to follow up with him later about how to protect one’s tzit tzit strings from pets! Any suggestions from the audience? Leave a comment below!
(Some Pictures and Names have been changed for safety purposes and protection of minors.)
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