I was raised in Long Island, New York, by a Jewish family. Though I attended Hebrew school, had a Bat Mitzvah, and tried to stay involved in Jewish activities, I often felt disconnected from Judaism. To me, it was more about keeping up traditions like celebrating Hanukkah rather than Christmas, avoiding bread on Passover, and fasting on Yom Kippur. If I didn’t do those things, I felt I wasn’t being Jewish enough.

In college at the University of Miami, my Jewish roommate convinced me to go to the Hillel Jewish Orientation. There, I discovered that Judaism could be about community, not just traditions and rules. I made many Jewish friends and became a regular at Hillel events.

Studying music therapy, I tried to incorporate and learn about Jewish music when I could because it felt comfortable and familiar, especially when most of what we sang was sacred church music. After college, I felt disconnected from Judaism again until I was asked to lead High Holiday services as a cantorial soloist. When I got that call, my immediate thought was, “Why me? I’m not Jewish enough to do that!” Despite feeling like an imposter, I found joy and purpose in leading services.

Feedback from the congregation encouraged me to learn more about Judaism and explore the idea of becoming a cantor. Through reading, journaling, and collaboration, I’ve found a meaningful spiritual connection to Judaism. I’m not strictly religious, but I meditate, journal, and interpret Jewish teachings in ways that make sense to me.

I’ve learned that I am, in fact, Jewish enough, and there is no correct way to be Jewish. Through conversations with many Jewish people from different backgrounds, I’ve discovered that being Jewish means something different to each of them. That is what is so special about Judaism. It’s more than a religion; it’s a tradition rooted in deep history, community, spirituality, a moral code, and an identity. No matter how we do or do not connect to Judaism, we can still identify as Jewish.

My goal is to cure the ever-present “Jewish imposter syndrome” by reminding people that no matter how they practice Judaism, they are Jewish enough. Through my work, I aim to provide Jewish resources that are accessible, comfortable, and meaningful in their own way. I am the Jewish leader who makes everyone feel seen and accepted as a Jewish individual. I aim to help people find meaning that makes sense to them through modern translations, open discussion, and loose definitions. If you identify as Jewish, you are Jewish enough. Period.