When I go into a new environment where I don't know the people, I take off my Star of David necklace. You never know what people's perception of Judaism is and I don't want to upset anyone. Saying this, I recently started wearing my necklace to work because I felt comfortable enough around my coworkers. I never said I was Jewish (Except after mentioning that I worked in Israel for 6 months. Then someone asked me.), but my identity could be seen in my necklace.
Anyway, a few days ago the following conversation took place:
Coworker: You're Jewish?
Me: Yea
CW: By race or religion? Or both?
Me: Both.
CW: Oh. I've never met a Jew before. You look like any other white girl t'me. I've got these stereotypes and would have never guessed you were Jewish.
Then a customer came in and our conversation was interrupted.
I've never met anyone who has never met a Jew. To me that feels weird. I grew up in a town where much of the population was Jewish. I grew up in a state where, though there is antisemitism, it is not as great as other places in the United States. Being Jewish is my identity. It's part of who I am and when someone has never met anyone with a part of my identity it makes me feel both uncomfortable and exhilarating. I have the power and privilege to show this person what and who a Jew can be. But because I am his representative, it puts a lot of pressure on me. Do I have enough knowledge of Judaism to explain customs and ways? Do I know the right explanations? Do I know the answers to the whys? Unconsciously, this person that has never met a Jew is watching my every move. How I act and react towards others. How I dress. How I move. Everything. I know that some people live sheltered lives, but I know for a fact that this person has "been around the block." But not to have met a Jew? At the age of 20-something? In Massachusetts? That's hard to believe considering the amount of diversity in the state. And yet it's true.
How am I supposed to respond to someone that says "I've never met a Jew before." I've never climbed to the top of Mount Everest. What's your point? That's what I want my response to be, but in reality I know that it can't. I know that I need to show this person that the negative stereotypes of Jews are not necessarily true. I need to show them that Jews are a people. A person. It doesn't and shouldn't matter my religion or race. I'm a human being and my Judaism just happens to be part of my identity as much as being female or white.
