Several years ago Dylan, through his friends, developed a deep connection to Judaism, and when he started going to Hebrew school and studying for his bar mitzvah, I began to reconnect with the religion of my father.
While some Jews believe that not having a Jewish mother makes me not Jewish, I have learned the hard way that those who hate do not make such fine distinctions.
Dylan’s experience reminded me of my first encounter with anti-Semitism, in high school. A friend saw someone Jewish walk by, and with no provocation he confidently told me: “Michael, all Jews cheat in business.”
“What are you talking about?” I said.
“Michael, come on,” he replied. “Everyone knows that.”
With little knowledge of what it meant to be a Jew, I found myself passionately defending the Jewish people.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member