On my 9th birthday, I came home from school and announced to my non-Jewish family, “I’m Jewish!” My mother, curious about this news, asked me what I learned in school that day. I told her we sang Christmas songs, and the class sang Happy Birthday to me after we learned The Hanukkah Song—I burst into it: “Hanukkah, oh Hanukkah, come light the menorah….” In my nine year-old, ego-centric, birthday-minded excitement, I understood the Hanukkah Song to be about my birthday. A party with nine candles, getting a treat, games, food, and candles burning low while remembering the day I was born. Oy!

As an adult, I became a Melton student, missing only one class of the two year course, due to surgery. I continue to enjoy Jewish culture and events, especially the Adult Education Lecture Series. I embrace the idea that has been given to me by a Jewish friend—That I am a Cultural Jew.

I am blessed to have known how to budget money, and to have had the discipline to live within my means. My ability to contribute comes from my desire to give, and my decision to support the Jewish culture and teachings that have a special place in my heart. I hope others benefit, and carry the Jewish culture forward.

With gratitude and joy,
To Life!