I’ve lived in three states, and before moving to Tennessee, my Jewish identity was not something I had to think about often. It just was. In rural Indiana, I was too young to experience any potent antisemitism. Being Jewish was a fun fact I got to share and explain to people. In Connecticut, I got Jewish holidays off, which was not unique to my Judaism. Then, I moved to Tennessee. If moving during lockdown wasn’t isolating enough, I had to figure out how to handle being Jewish in the “Bible Belt.” My classmates were now old enough to scroll on social media and repeat “edgy” jokes about the holocaust. Our school bathrooms were covered in Nazi symbols, and many desks had swastikas scraped into them. Only a few days went by before I heard another rancid comment about “the Jews” or heard someone joke about gas chambers. I found myself being the only Jewish person most of my peers had ever met and often held myself responsible for defending my entire religion.  It was not an easy task, especially as an insecure, anxious thirteen-year-old. 

Quickly, I discovered that being Jewish was not something I could just passively be. Every day, I actively chose to be a proud Jew. I chose to stick up for my religion, to correct teachers when they said something misinformed, and to educate/answer questions for my peers. It has undoubtedly made me a stronger person today and taught me the importance of self-advocacy. Sometimes, especially after the events of October 7th, I find myself not having the answers to questions I’m being asked or not having the language/information needed to defend my beliefs. While this originally upset me, it has become a powerful motivator to learn more about my religion. It also built a framework for me to create my own views around Israel and beyond. I’m empowered to learn more about Jewish history and ask my family questions about their stories. Additionally, it made my connection to my local Jewish community stronger. I was eager to become involved and jumped at the opportunity to join Jewish organizations like BBYO. The friends I’ve made through my chapter and beyond have served as an essential support system. I don’t think I’d be able to survive high school without them! Living in an area with so few Jews makes every moment of practicing and celebrating my Judaism that much more special. I increasingly look forward to observing Shabbat, singing during Havdalah, and celebrating holidays with family and friends.

Being proudly Jewish, especially in the South, can be a daunting and dangerous task. You are not alone, and you don’t need to face everything by yourself. Thousands of teens across the world know what you’re going through. It wasn’t an easy journey, but I learned how to make the best out of my feelings of isolation and hopelessness. I built a group of friends both at school and in BBYO who offer support whenever I need it. I found a way to connect to my Judaism, learning about new traditions, foods, and history. There is so much power in staying strong during challenging times. If you ever feel like I did, know that it can get better if you let it.