Having a best friend is the best thing, and it's just a bonus having a best friend that is Jewish. When I got my room assignment for college this year, it was mandatory to do random housing, meaning that I couldn't choose who I was going to live with. It was super scary at first, but it could not have worked out better since my best friend is just next door now (and she just so happens to be Jewish).
I had never even really interacted with a Jewish person until moving in and finding out that she was. It was very interesting to me at first, obviously, because I had always wondered how their religion differed in comparison to the Southern Baptist one I had grown up around, and the two couldn't be anymore different. If you have a Jewish friend, though, you know why they're so awesome, so let me explain...
1. It's always lit, because menorahs.
Before I was educated on how the Jews celebrate Christmas (which isn't really the correct terminology because they don't, but anyways), I thought it was so strange that they didn't. Jewish people, though, celebrate Hanukkah for 8 days around Christmas time. They have eight days of presents to go along with Hanukkah, so naturally I had to try to outdo her parents with their awesome presents...
2. All of the cool Hebrew words I know now.
Shalom, it's me (our rendition of Adele's "Hello"), just so happens to be our new saying (if you love it just as much as we do, there is a sticker on RedBubble that says it, and it's awesome!). I also like to toast now in Hebrew (p.s. it's L'Chaim) because it sounds cool and it's way easier to say a three-syllable word for a toast than a long soliloquy.
3. Jews make some bomb food.
Hamantaschens are some of the best cookies I've ever had, 'nough said!
4. There is always something new to learn.
I learn something new about Judaism everyday, which I love. I learn about a new holiday or how to say something new in Hebrew or a new way of thinking about things every single day. My Jewish friends take the time to explain the right way to learn about Judaism in the easiest way possible.
So, my point is if you ever have the opportunity to have a Jewish BFF or just a Jewish acquaintance, embrace it! It's a great experience to have someone to explain why your pre-conceived notions about Jews aren't right at all and how important it is to learn their religion the right way. It's important to be educated on every religion, and that's why I'm thankful every single day that I have someone to explain Judaism to me.