I currently live in Nebraska (don’t ask me why) and one of the most difficult things I’ve discovered after moving, was finding people of my religion. My religion is technically Messianic Jew, but I normally just say Jewish. Since moving to Nebraska I have found exactly 3 other Jewish people, and the closest Synagogue is 3 hours away. I am the only Jew in my friend group; most of my friends are Catholic, which isn’t very surprising. I was far more surprised to find other Jewish people. It was surprising for obvious reasons, but I always have to remind myself of the fact that my friends don’t always celebrate the same holidays as I do. I find myself having to explain a lot of things to them about my religion. Which I don’t really mind -- I really enjoy getting to share my beliefs and my religion with my friends -- it’s just hard to remind myself how little people actually know about my religion when I know so much about Catholicism and other religions. But I like the fact that I can share that part of my life with them, because some people aren’t as open minded and eager to know about other religions.

Especially considering the fact that it is Nebraska and it’s mostly Catholics living there, I feel very connected to my Jewish friends there because we face such adversity. And to find a very accepting and welcoming school, that we go to, is really fantastic. Being able to practice our own religion is truly a gift that one wouldn’t expect in a place like Nebraska. But there is a lot of acceptance and understanding for different religions.

I truly enjoy sharing my religion with people because it’s something I didn’t really experience back home. It’s something special to be able to be open with people about your opinions and beliefs. And everyone should get to experience that kind of openness with others, being able to see what it can bring to others lives. It doesn’t have to change their religion, that’s not the point; the point is to be accepted by others who may not share your beliefs but still want to hear them. And share theirs with you, so you can all grow and understand together.