Right now, I’m pondering when an Israelite becomes a Jew…
He doesn’t become one through knowledge alone; rather, knowledge must also serve Hashem (the One); and thus, consciousness arises that is based solely on the Torah. It is the unifying force.
Therefore, an Israelite is only a Jew once he has left Mizrajim.
As Jews, it is our duty to remember anew each year that our ancestors were once slaves—and more—it is our duty to empathize with them and relive the Exodus from Egypt each year.
I take seriously the repeated exhortation in our Torah to love one’s neighbor so that there is no difference between loving oneself and loving one’s neighbor. The question is not only why this is so important, but also „Who is my neighbor?“ He is a Jew!
Therefore, it is important to fill this love with life, in our interactions with one another and also in the loving acceptance we show ourselves. For only those who know and accept themselves well can truly connect with others. We all encounter many people in our lives. Some are acquaintances, some friends, and most often they are Jewish people who do us the most good. We strengthen, inspire, encourage, help, teach, and protect each other from negative influences and the hatred propagated by the media from our enemies. Therefore, nothing can replace direct contact and the courage to say, „I am your brother“ or „I am your sister.“
Let us acknowledge one another, with all the differences that are God’s will, and let us also recognize that it is up to us if we focus on what divides us. Let us rebuild the unity we desire each day and grow together.
This is my personal goal and mission, for the Torah demands it. It is God’s revelation to humankind, but it is the Jewish people alone who take it seriously.
Shalom
I am simply grateful for a good, loving relationship with my true self. This is the prerequisite for recognizing the light within myself and in the people around me. Sometimes—actually, almost always—I am respected as a Jew when I remain true to myself and can say, as I have always:
Yes, I am Jewish.
Yes, I am a Torah-observant.
Yes, I love Hashem.
Yes, I enjoy working.
Yes, I am loved.
Yes, I prefer writing to talking.
Yes, I talk more than I used to, and that makes me happy.
Yes, I am happy.
Yes, I think positively.
Yes, life is beautiful.
Yes, I miss my Jewish friends and family who still remember me from my time in Stuttgart.
Yes, my path leads back to Stuttgart, even though I spent my most important years in Esslingen.
… And yes, I will never give up on my dreams, because they lead me to Israel.
No one can expect a Christian to think and feel the same way as a Jew. We have our own traditions, and nothing will change them. We have our own calendar, and we have the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible—which clearly distinguishes us. What unites us is that Jews and good Christians believe in the same God, and that is the God of Israel. We now celebrate Passover, and many of my friends celebrate Easter. It’s a joyous celebration for both sides. We should leave it at that.
Words and Passion 