Finding my Roots Via Nirvana

At my French international school, I am “the Jew.” I am not the only Jewish person at school, however: my brother attends it as well. As a product of years spent speaking French instead of Hebrew, in a Christmas-central environment, I felt unsure of my Judaism. I felt bound to it with no clear vision of where my connection with it lay.

In 9th grade, we were assigned to read Siddhartha. The study of Siddhartha's quest to Nirvana had me reflect back upon my own religious journey. I had been told from all corners “how Jewish I was” and what my role should be, but it was up to me to discover the truth. I was inspired by Siddhartha’s journey which abandoned ritualism for spiritual awakening. Today, I see that Judaism can not possibly be judged in terms of quantity or “levels.” Judaism is the strength of community and moral power, and it is the history that ties us together, and tells us we belong. I was Jewish the moment I was born, and my bubbi first looked at me and called me bubski, and I am Jewish even when speaking French at school.

My experiences have taught me the importance of upholding my individualism. At Dartmouth, I hope to celebrate the beauty of diversity in a community represented by all cultures. I can connect with other Jewish students at Hillel, while maintaining ties to my French upbringing through linguistic studies.