The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

Today, I had a doctor's appointment.

The doctor is a Jew (some might call a “not-yet-frum-jew”) and his wife is the receptionist /nurse/ raconteur.

No matter how rushed I am, she always has time to schmooze.

As too many people incorrectly assume,she thinks I represent the entirety of the world view of the Jewish people.

With that erroneous assumption, she proceeded to ask me how American Jewry should be dealing with the current surge in anti-Semitism.

It didn't matter to her if I agreed with her perception of reality or not, she was convinced that American Jewry is in a precarious situation.

Before I could respond or even comment, she proceeded to tell me how she now wears her Magen Dovid “closer to her heart.”

This was her euphemistic way of telling me she no longer wears her identifying Jewish symbol in a way which is seen by the outside world.

Rather, she hides her Jewish identity.

I simply remarked that even if I wanted to, I (thankfully) could never hide my Jewish identify.

With that, she handed me a prescription for a test at Valley Hospital.

I did not think more about our conversation, that is until I reached the hospital.

While waiting to be called I could not help but notice the various and numerous languages being spoken.

The woman in front of me was wearing a headscarf in the tradition of Muslim women.

As she was called in I noticed something amazing.

The fellow who greeted her said, “Hello, my name is.… “ as he extended his hand.

The woman looked at him and without even the hint of discomfort, said, “Nice to meet you. However, I don't shake hands with men.”

The man immediately profusely apologized for the discomfort he may have caused her and then they disappeared into the inner office.

Immediately, my thoughts went back to the doctor’s office an hour before.

Are we proud to be openly Jewish?

Are we ready to publicly proclaim our Jewish identify?

I hope that for most of you reading this, the answer is a resounding YES!

I hope…

Its wonderful to keep Hashem “close to your heart “.

However, its also wonderful to proclaim to the world, “I am a Jew and I couldn't be prouder!”

It's wonderful to be a Jew!