When I was younger, I went to Hebrew school for a few years (I think Hebrew school was mandatory for all South Floridian children), but it just didn't work out. We only went to temple for high holidays. My dad, whose family is Jewish, rarely observed any of the customs associated with Judaism. Plus, I was too scientific-minded ("Rebecca, please stop asking questions" still rings in my ears), and the temple was pretty much a money-grubbing open checkbook for the rabbi... And ever since my final Amen, I've filled out the religion section of questionnaires or US Census Report with "None." Being a "nun" (lame pun) was as close to religion as I got.
The other day over those tasty margaritas with 100% agave tequila, Cousin Cat informed me that because my mom converted to Judaism for a brief period of time, I am supposedly Jewish, and therefore I've earned a trip to Israel. It's my birthright. Uh-huh. Education, health care, equal rights, and fuzzy pink bunny slippers are all (ideally) birthrights, but a fully-paid 2-week trip to Israel and back, complete with meals, hotels, and gas mask? Not a birthright. Was I born into Judaism? I would like to think that I have the right to choose my religion, and that because of my "birthright" I'm not designated for life as one original religion or another. Plus, if it's a birthright to visit the lands of my ancestors, then shouldn't I get free trips to Russia, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland? My gratis trip to Israel is either a complimentary gift without purchase but includes a tinge of guilt and attempt at conversion OR an expensive effort to connect me with a land that I've never felt connected with in hopes of building some kind of connection that will connect us for a life-fulfilling connection. Think I'll just stick with the bunny slippers.
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