KosherFest 2016

KosherFest is amazing! Not because there is food there, or because there is a kids area with fun activities. Its not amazing because the food options cater to any dietary restriction, or because there are tons of freebies.

What makes KosherFest so awesome is hearing an announcement that Rabbi Blumenthalberg and Rabbi Steingoldnerman will be giving presentations shortly, being surrounded by a sea of shirts with Jewish puns, and walking into a room that segregates meat and dairy.

For someone who feels like a minority (by my own choice) it is exhilarating to be somewhere surrounded by your people. When we are at our shul the same thing happens, we are surrounded by Jews, but KosherFest is different. Its not about religious beliefs or what sect of judaism we identify with. Its about just being a Jew.

All stereotypes are out the door. KosherFest is a place where Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform all come together and embrace our love of food. We are all just Jews, the different sects we identify with pull us apart, separate us, cause strain and judgement in relationships. I am guilty of that. At KosherFest, a non-holiday, non-religious event we all come together, to do what Jews do best, eat and talk. It is empowering to be surrounded by my people, especially at this time when Jews around the world are struggling with anti-semitism and violence. Thank you KosherFest for bringing us all together! See you next year!