Before college, I didn't know anything about Judaism. I was raised Catholic, and, when my best friend at college told me that she's Jewish, I wanted to learn more about it. She told me about her traditions, like throwing bread in the water during Rosh Hashanah and eating apples and honey for a sweet year. We went to Shabbat dinners together, and I was slowly unpacking a faith and culture that was previously so mysterious to me.

At Shabbat dinner, Fordham's Jewish Student Organization announced that they would be holding a Jewish retreat. My best friend suggested that we go together, and I didn't know what to think about the opportunity. I wanted to learn more about Judaism, but I didn't think that I would fit in at a retreat designed for Jewish students.

I decided to go anyway, and the small retreat group consisted of some of the nicest people I've ever met. When we discussed Jewish practices and traditions, I was surprised by how much I already knew, which made me feel more like I belonged. As I got to know the group, I thought about the way that most of them were raised so differently, yet we were all able to come together and talk about our backgrounds.

The retreat was only one night, but we definitely made the most of it. We stayed up late playing board games and getting to know each other while discussing the differences in our upbringings.

On the second day, we went on a serene walk through the woods and made challah. The group was understanding of my lack of experience and enthusiastically helped me through the experience. I learned how to braid the challah, and I realized that the recipe is very similar to a dessert my family and I make during Easter.

During the individual reflection, I realized that we are not that different at all. We are separated by our experiences, but the right environment brought us together and allowed us to learn more about each other on a spiritual and personal level. I am grateful to the Jewish Student Organization for accepting me and allowing me to experience their culture on such a reflective retreat.