For a long time, I struggled to find personal meaning in the observance of Jewish holidays. The stories we were told felt far too much of a reach to believe, and the reasons behind fasting during Yom Kippur or omitting bread during Passover felt rather silent. You do it because everyone else is doing it, because your ancestors did it, and because, well, you’re Jewish. So you do it. You observe the holiday as you’re told to.
As I was unable to locate my personal “why,” I instead found value in the community aspect of Jewish holidays. I loved any excuse to celebrate…
