By Eliana Schauffler, Special to JTNews
Without Judaism, I honestly don’t know where I’d be in life. Ever since I was a little girl I have always surrounded myself with Jewish friends, Jewish education, and the faith that made me who I am today.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s bad that I’ve grown up sheltered from a world without Judaism, but I wouldn’t trade my upbringing for anything in the world. The quote “insiders can’t explain it, outsiders will never understand” completely describes the feeling I get when I’m surrounded by my people. It fills me with pride and I love living in the moment.
It’s amazing how learning that someone is Jewish instantly connects you with them. It’s something so indescribable, yet so precious. Everywhere I go, the people I meet always tell me how they share this common bond with all Jews. The more I think about it, the more I realize how powerful it is that faith can bring people so close together, regardless of degree of belief, race, age, or personality.
I always find myself closer to Jewish people, even when I’m not the best of friends with them. This past summer I went to a BBYO summer camp called CLTC where kids from all around the country came together to learn how to become leaders. In two short weeks I made some of the best friends I’ve ever had in my life. In the two months since I’ve seen all my new friends, the way we’ve all kept in touch is truly exciting. Whether we are video chatting on Skype, IM-ing on Facebook Chat, e-mailing each other, or texting, I know the friends I have made will be friends forever.
This camp had such a strong feeling of community that we all said we became a family. It’s crazy how people from opposite ends of the country, from places as different as Washington to Tennessee can find a rare friendship, thanks to a bond over the love for Jewish leadership.
This, in fact, is an example of one of the strongest forces of Judaism in my life. The organization BBYO has done so much for me as an individual: I’ve been given the opportunity to be myself, lead my peers, and focus on my beliefs. Every week when we meet at the JCC on Mercer Island, I feel the sensation that I am entering my second home. The atmosphere is engaging, friendly, and warm. Not only do I enjoy this organization on a social and familial level, but I am also given the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much. Through raising tzedakah, yearly participation in J-Serve, and with UNICEF donations, I feel I am making my mark as a teenager.
There is more to our high school years than focusing on the social aspects and acting wild. I have found security and happiness in myself and in my religion, thanks to this amazing organization that has helped to shaped my life. Wherever I go in life, I know I will feel confident in the abilities I have learned and the maturity I have grown into because of the positive environment in which I was nurtured. No matter the time or situation, I know I will always have Judaism to guide me throughout my endeavors, providing positive opportunities and morals to learn. Judaism is my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Eliana Schauffler has been active in her B’nai B’rith Girls chapter, Halom, throughout high school, holding several board positions including president and vice president. She currently holds the regional board position of Dovairet, vice president of Jewish education.