With tensions running high in the Jewish world I was inspired to write this to remind us all that we are One People. People may do things differently, believe different things, but regardless they deserve our love and respect – as much as we deserve theirs regardless of our differences. We are one. We need to act like one.
Happy to hear your comments.
I AM A JEW.
I may be white. Or black. Or beige.
Or mocha.
My color comes from where I lived. Or whom I chose.
Or who chose me.
I am a Jew.
I strictly follow every rule.
My life is guided by the rules.
I don’t even know the rules.
I rule myself.
I am a Jew.
I clothe myself in modest dress.
My skin is covered more or less.
I choose to clothe, or if to bare.
Who cares what I wear.
I am a Jew.
I strictly guard each bite I take.
I read each label, on food or plate.
I’m kosher at home; it’s enough for me.
I eat the food that I see.
I am a Jew.
I do what I do because I believe it.
It hurts to see others just take it or leave it.
Respect them I must, let them do what they do.
Because, I am a Jew.
© 2012 Laura Ben-David
Laura Ben-David is the author of numerous articles and the book, MOVING UP: An Aliyah Journal, a memoir of her move to Israel. She has done public speaking about Israel and Aliyah all over the United States and Israel. Contact her at laura@aliyahbook.com or follow her tweets at http://www.twitter.com/laurabendavd 
wish I could agree completely;
while I do so desire our unity
when alleged rabbis seek
to allow men to marry each other
it seems like we are not likely to speak
on the same levels.
only one torah
laws given by God
I do not have authority to rewrite it
those who think they can and do so
are not affiliated with my belief.