Years After She Walked Out of Hebrew School, a Facebook Message Rekindled Her Jewish Soul
by Naomi Smith
In the quiet, tree-lined suburbs of Scarborough, Toronto, I find myself living a remarkable story of Jewish rediscovery. As a retired principal with a wealth of educational experience, I’ve embarked on an extraordinary journey of reconnection that began with a simple click on a Facebook group and has blossomed into a profound exploration of my Jewish heritage.
I was born in Ottawa, and spending a few years of my early childhood in Africa, I grew up on the periphery of Jewish life. Hebrew school was a childhood obligation, and I eagerly escaped at age 12, feeling disconnected from my Jewish roots. I would tell people I was ‘born Jewish’ but I didn’t feel Jewish.
My childhood Jewish memories are few. When we were in Ottawa, we celebrated my brother’s Bar Mitzvah at a local Jewish nursing home, and adopted an older Jewish gentleman who had no family. He was completely alone.
I learned just from observing him. He would don his tefillin and pray, and when he came over for Chanukah, my mom would use different dishes, and he would give us Chanukah gelt. When we eventually moved, he would take the train and stay with us for three or four days at a time. My mom would go to the Jewish grocery store, buy some kosher food, and he would bring his own dishes. For Pesach, we would buy matzah and have a seder.
The turning point really came through an unexpected medium: social media. Joining various Jewish Facebook groups, I began to explore my Jewish background with newfound curiosity. Local community resources and a nearby Chabad center also began to spark my interest.
The real transformation truly began around six months ago, when I found out about JNet almost by accident. Not wanting to feel pressured to do anything, just to learn at my own pace, without fear of being embarrassed to ask questions, I reached out. I was honest and vulnerable, sharing exactly what my upbringing was, and that I didn’t associate personally with my culture and religion.
A couple of weeks later, JNet responded. Leah Gansburg from Crown Heights had chosen to learn with me.
Leah and I connected instantaneously. Despite coming from vastly different worlds, we formed an immediate and profound bond. Initially, Leah arrived prepared with various learning materials for me to choose from. I felt like a fish out of water. I simply wanted to discuss and ask questions, and Leah happily agreed.
Our weekly virtual meetings often extended from planned one-hour sessions to marathon two-and-a-half-hour conversations, and I would spend the week collecting questions to ask Leah. I sought to understand the “why” behind traditions, not just to follow rules. My inquiries ranged from the deeply philosophical to the charmingly practical, exploring everything from the laws of kashrus to the intricacies of living a jewish life.
Daily learning became a ritual. Leah recommended a Tanya WhatsApp chat that provided short, digestible lessons, which I eagerly consumed each morning.
A pivotal moment came this past Purim, when I attended the Purim party at Chabad of Durham, my first significant Jewish community event in over four decades. Despite initial nervousness, I found myself surrounded by warmth and acceptance, participating in traditions like making noise when Haman’s name was mentioned.
It’s been a huge learning curve for me since I started. But it’s more than that, I finally have a real connection. My ultimate dream now is to spend time in Leah’s community, truly immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Jewish life. I envision experiencing a family Shabbat dinner, understanding the intricate customs of Jewish life, and continuing my journey of discovery and growth.
JNet connects volunteers who’ve been blessed with a Jewish education to those eager to learn more. For mentees, it’s a one-on-one opportunity to explore their Jewish heritage at their own pace. For mentors, it’s a chance to channel their knowledge into a meaningful weekly Shlichus.
Register at www.jnet.org/learn.
