My Sudra

I love this new Israeli company that makes what is called a “sudra”. These patterned Jewish scarves were historically worn over 3,000 years ago by the Nation of Israel in ancient Judea. Reviving old customs and traditions is a beautiful way to honor our past by bringing our ancestors into the present. We are here because of those who came before us. The seeds of our lives were planted generations before we ourselves arrived, and we must cherish that fact dearly. I feel such a deep connection to my Judaism when I think about the struggle Jews throughout history have gone through to ensure our survival. I would not exist without that struggle, and I owe it to future generations of Jews to carry our past in my heart. One of the greatest acts of bravery Jews have historically upheld is to maintain their identity with traditional and religious clothing. During times of great danger, brutal persecution, and the threat of extinction, it was nothing less than pure courage for Jews to not hide by discarding their unique dress, forgoing their Hebrew names, and abandoning their customs and laws. It would have been much safer and easier to discard these things that set us apart. It is very hard to hide a religious Jew, especially the males due to circumcision. One of the first thing the Nazis did was look for proof of circumcision. There was literally nowhere to hide. Jews have always been hunted so to stand firm in our appearance and refuse to give up our beliefs is the purest act of integrity and defiance. Anti Semitism has been out of control over the past couple of years. The spike in brutally violent attacks on Jews worldwide is devastating and frightening. I am moved to reach even more so towards my heritage during this terrifying climate, and so I take great pride and comfort in wearing My Sudra.
From a fashion perspective it’s a really cool scarf, so it’s a new staple in my layering wardrobe. The message in Hebrew means “the nation of Israel will live forever”. This phrase is a popular song I learned in preschool and its meaning continues to deepen as we keep facing struggles and challenges to survive. The interlocking Jewish star pattern symbolizes the strong interconnection all Jews have with each other everywhere throughout space and time. My grandparents and the Jewish warriors before them did not survive the atrocities of persecution to live in fear. Times are scary but I will neither cower nor tremble. I will wear My Sudra as a proud Jewish woman and mother who will persevere with love for my people, culture, and religion. Jewish or not, check out this new company whose messages of strength, survival, pride, and perseverance are completely universal. I don’t know of any human being who doesn’t need reminders and reinforcements that show us what our hearts and spirits are capable of.