Taking pride in who we are as individuals is an essential part of expressing and appreciating our identity. I am not saying it is easy, but it is something we should all strive to do. We are in a period when pride is taking a front seat in a wide variety of ways. 

First, June is Pride month… a month-long celebration within the LGBTQ+ community (and those who support and love them) to honor and appreciate who they are. And while some states are doing whatever they can to minimize this important event, thankfully, we live in a state that honors, celebrates, and recognizes people for who they are. Jewish organizations like JQ International (featured in June’s JLife SGPV) and Keshet work each day to help LGBTQ+ Jews feel a sense of belonging and fight for equality and recognition. In essence, these organizations (and others) celebrate identity. 

Next, we are about to experience the start of the World Cup later this week. As the world’s most popular and followed sporting event, we are about to witness an onslaught of national pride as 48 countries compete to raise the Jules Rimet Trophy, with many matches being played at SoFi Stadium, including the United States’ opening match against Paraguay this Friday. This sense of pride for one’s nation is a unifying force that is often galvanized as national teams (or competitors) compete against one another. It is why the Olympics, as well as the World Cup, are so popular. 

And as I wrote about in last week’s column, I think it is imperative that we all do something to celebrate our Jewish pride. It is an important component of who we are and has helped shape who we have become. Our Judaism ties us to one another in a way that is similar to the national pride felt when cheering for (insert your country/team here). We feel it as a special kinship we have with others. 

So… over the next few weeks, I encourage you to do something that expresses your Jewish pride and celebrates it. Whether you watch a favorite movie that has a strong Jewish theme or presence, read a Jewish book, cook your favorite Jewish meal, listen to Jewish music, or any number of things… I guarantee that by doing so, you will smile and feel a sense of pride. 

Another idea is to do something, as I shared back in the December 2022 issue of JLife SGPV. In that month’s From Where I Sit column, I discussed how one way to counter hate was to think about what makes us proud to be Jewish. I then listed close to 100 things I love most about being Jewish. It was definitely a fun exercise, and having just reviewed prior to writing this week’s column, several new things came to mind that I will be adding to the list.