Growing up in a secular Jewish household, I didn’t celebrate Passover. But as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate the holiday’s traditions, including the ritual of keeping kosher. This year, despite my history of disordered eating, I decided to give it a try. At first, I was worried about restricting my food intake, but I soon realized that keeping kosher was more than just about what I ate. It was about connecting with my faith and reminding myself that Judaism is more than just a religion; it’s a way of life.
On the first night of Passover, I joined friends for a seder. As we sang, cried, ate, and laughed, I felt a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before. I realized that keeping kosher wasn’t about isolating myself; it was about sharing something small and essential in common with my Jewish community.
I don’t know if I’ll keep kosher next Passover, or fast next Yom Kippur. But I’m glad that I had the opportunity to experience it this year. It taught me a lot about my faith and about myself. And it reminded me that Judaism is more than just a religion; it’s a way of life that I’m proud to be a part of.
