Judaism Beyond Israel

I was born and raised in Israel, but when I was around six years old, my family moved to North Carolina, making us the first generation of my family to live in the United States. The move brought with it a wave of uncertainty, especially when it came to my Jewish identity. I found myself wondering how I would maintain my connection to Judaism so far from Israel. This wasn’t just a passing concern for me; it was a deep worry for my parents as well. They feared that, in addition to the challenges of adapting to a new country, I might face antisemitism and anti-Zionism in ways they hadn’t anticipated. They hoped to shield me from those painful realities, not wanting me to experience those struggles as I grew up. Despite these concerns, we moved to North Carolina, carrying not only the excitement of a new beginning but also many questions and worries about what lay ahead for our Jewish identities.

After furnishing our house, enrolling in school, shopping, and settling in, we finally had the time to reflect on what being Jewish would look like for our family in this new chapter. Growing up in Israel, we had traditions and practices that were deeply ingrained in our lives—rituals that were unique to our family and connected us to our heritage. We began to wonder: Could the United States provide us with the food, supplies, and resources necessary to continue these customs? Would we be able to maintain the traditions that meant so much to us, or would they fade away, becoming forgotten chapters in our family history? To our surprise and immense joy, we quickly discovered that there were places and resources that made it possible for us to continue our Jewish practices and traditions. We found an international aisle at the local Harris Teeter, stocked with familiar Israeli ingredients that reminded us of home. We located a synagogue nearby, offering a place to gather and celebrate Jewish life, and even stumbled upon a kosher market with authentic Israeli foods just a few blocks away. These discoveries helped us realize that, while we were far from Israel, we could still keep traditions alive, making it feel as though we were still connected to home.

With the reassurance that we had the resources to continue our traditions successfully in the United States, a new concern emerged: Could our Judaism truly flourish here? Would we feel isolated in our Jewish endeavors, disconnected from the community we had known in Israel? Once again, we were met with a pleasant surprise. The Jewish community we found in Charlotte was not only welcoming, but also vibrant and expansive. In our first year here, numerous organizations and groups reached out to us, eager to include us in their activities. We were invited to celebrate holidays together, joined countless Friday night dinners, and had the opportunity to participate in or simply attend weekend services. The warmth and inclusivity of the community made us feel like we had found a second home, allowing our Jewish identity to thrive even in a new and unfamiliar environment.

As time passed, my involvement in the Jewish community deepened. As I grew older, organizations began reaching out to me individually, inviting me to participate in pre-teen and teen events. When I turned 13, the local BBYO (B’nai B’rith Youth Organization) chapter contacted me to join one of their Tuesday programs. I agreed, reluctantly, nervous that I might be the only one who didn’t speak English fluently or that I would feel like an outsider among these American Jews. Little did I know, attending just one program would lead to a four-year membership in the organization. Once I joined, I quickly fell in love with my chapter, pursuing leadership positions and attending regional conventions with BBYO chapters from across the state. My involvement in one Jewish teen organization sparked a desire to join others, and I couldn't resist exploring every opportunity to deepen my Jewish identity. That yearning to fully experience what it means to be Jewish was undeniably fulfilled.

Looking back on our journey, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. The initial uncertainty and concerns we had about maintaining our Jewish identity in a foreign land have been met with unexpected blessings. What started as a fear of losing touch with our roots and tight Israeli community has blossomed into a strong, lasting connection to the Jewish community in North Carolina. For me, becoming actively involved in Jewish youth organizations has allowed me to explore my identity and share it with others, creating lifelong friendships along the way. Today, I feel confident knowing that my Jewish identity is not just surviving in the United States—it’s thriving, growing, and shaping the person I continue to become.