Who Am I Really - It's Time For Me to Find Out

This blog will become an important part of My Journey.

I am a Jewish, professional woman who resides in the city of Chicago with my husband and two teenagers.  My Jewish education was limited by finances and circumstances growing up; and it wasn't until my kids were about half way through their Jewish Day School education that I realized that I wanted to, needed to, and felt a responsibility to increase my understanding of my religion.

I want to start by explaining, not only why I am on this journey, but also why I started this blog.  Years ago, I took a two year course from the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning.  It was an important commitment for me.  So important, in fact, that I fought my synagogue, Anshe Emet Synagogue (AES) as it wanted to change the day it was held in the middle of the two year course.  Luckily, I was able to influence them to keep the day as it was for the following year so that I could continue.  I often refer to that program as "the best gift I ever gave myself."

A few years went by and I knew that I wanted to continue with my learning and understanding of Judaism, but life simply got in the way.  Until a year ago this past fall, while at High Holiday services, I read the Strategic Plan AES put together.  I was so taken with the efforts they made to reach out to those members that were like me - those with minimal formal education and experiences within the Jewish community - that I responded by accepting the educational opportunities they were offering.

My children went to the Jewish Day School housed in our synagogue and because of my limited experiences within my religion, for years I have  felt uncomfortable in the building.  Because many Chicago Jewish, but non religious families look to the Jewish Day Schools as an alternative to public schools, I know there must be many parents at our school who feel the same way.  I am hoping that this blog will encourage others with a limited Judaic upbringing and comfort level like myself to be more accepting and open to approaching their religion and their synagogue as they move forward in life.