Imagine living a life so insulated that you had no idea it was drastically different from the rest of the world. I think the best analogy is The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey as the protagonist. In the film, Truman grew up living a supposed “normal life,” but is the star of a nationally acclaimed TV show that observes his artificial life in a large dome. Eventually, Truman’s suspicion allows him to solve the mystery and break free of the bubble. While this plot celebrates a liberation, the best takeaway is that he lived majority of life believing it was all encompassing.

 

This is what my childhood was like.

 

Religion is an ascribed status, inherited at birth. For some it means a lot, others not some much; For me, it has meant everything. It has constructed every aspect of my life including friendships, diets, education, daily habits, and beyond. My Judaism nurtured me in an enclosed bubble and shaped who I am today in almost every capacity. It is a concept that is not easily explainable, given that everything builds on each other and has been gradually engrained in my life. But I’ll try my best in this project:

 

In this light, the topic of my capstone project will attempt to explain the “Jewish Bubble” in which I grew up. Why does it matter? Well, that can be answered in a few different layers. The first layer can start with me, Henri Kolb and the people that know me. When I meet someone, they might have certain impressions, but I am certain they are not able to fully grasp my identity. Especially not in a short conversation. Now, I am not expecting every person that I meet to read this like an autobiography. That is not what I intend for this to be, nor for me to be the centerpiece. But it is a major plus for anyone interested in learning more about my upbringings.

 

My true audience will be much broader, despite the niche topic. My plan is to be very specific in my descriptions and personal accounts to provide insights into my community. While most of the audience may not be able to resonate with certain rituals or practices, I think explaining everything will help offer a better understanding of the community generally. For example, describing my racing thoughts while shaking a lulav and etrog on Sukkot in synagogue might not make sense to many readers. Perhaps, however they could align with the fact that they may have been in a situation within a community of their own feeling certain ways.

 

The scope of this project is relevant intellectually, socially, and personally:

 

Intellectually, Jewish values, traditions, and Halakhot (plural for Halakha[1]) are extremely comprehensive. These laws are based off an enormous number of texts and scrolls written by our ancestors. They have been debated, deciphered, and clarified by hundreds of righteous Jews up until this very day. But, as I will explain, not many people reach such a high level of scholarship that they completely grasp, or even become familiar, with all these laws. They call people who can achieve such status, a “Talmid Chakham,” or “Sage Student.” It was not my hope to become one of these people in the process of crafting this project. It is even less likely that reading this will make you one. But hopefully it provides a peak into the origins and standards of Judaic practices and shows the intellectual side of the religion.

 

Socially, this topic is most rich. In my case, I find myself immersed in the Modern Orthodox movement. Well put, Modern orthodoxy, “attempts to synthesize Jewish values and the observance of Jewish law with the modern world.”[2] Here is a great article that dives more into the movement, which will be discussed heavily in the project and illustrated continuously by my life actions.[3] Essentially, as Jews, Torah and halakha provide guidance on how to go about daily practices and are the utmost importance to observe. In a modern society, abiding by all these laws while simultaneously integrating with the larger population could be challenging. For example, one may be qualified for a certain job, but if it requires work on the Sabbath, a Jew cannot accept. Likewise, if lunch is provided somewhere, but it doesn’t meet the Kosher standards, again a Jew cannot accept and would need to make special accommodations. While it often creates a type of moral conflict, it is overall beneficial if it can be managed correctly. For example, earning a living at a respectable job, so that you can provide kosher food and a Jewish education for your children just makes sense. Jewish law also encourages overall good deeds, and having a larger population to work with permits such opportunities.

 

This is where my Jewish bubble forms. Under the many religious guidelines and practices of modern orthodoxy, it is most convenient and attainable to live in tight-knit communities. The necessity to abide by all the laws, like eating Kosher food and observing the Shabbat, creates a natural affinity for other practicing Jews. It spurs businesses, like Kosher restaurants and grocery stores that provide food within the confines of the dietary restrictions. It generates schools and educations systems that promote Jewish and secular studies with a completely different dual-curriculum system than other non-Jewish schools. Camps are created that offer children a fun experience, but don’t challenge their religious values. Stores are built to accommodate special dress and clothing requirements. The list goes on forever.

 

It is under these conditions as a modern orthodox Jew that your life gets insulated. You are around and interact with non-Jews all the time, but at the end of the day that bubble exists. It is most apparent for children, being enrolled in all these segregated institutions without much opportunity to engage with others, like an undergraduate at a secular college or an adult in a regular job.

 

As someone who was raised in such an atmosphere and now attends a secular college, I am well equipped to share the culture shock of stepping outside the bubble. It has provided a new perspective on life that has been very beneficial to who I am as a person and Jew. On the flip side, it has introduced daily moral debates on how to best remain integrated in society, but also maintain my Judaic standards. There are days I am happy to be outside the bubble, but it is always waiting with open arms when I wish to be back under the protection of my home community.

 

In this project, I attempted to the best of my ability to define the Jewish Bubble. My personal accounts are the spine and glue of the project, providing a unique personal outlook on the bubble. It will be supplemented with accounts from rabbi’s or family. Additionally, resources like the one provided about modern orthodoxy will be utilized to explain concepts being discussed by the larger communities. Of course, the bible and other texts, where laws have originated and applied to my life, will be referenced and elucidated. Hopefully the culmination of all these provides a rich story that will be entertaining and educating.

 

[1] https://www.sefaria.org/texts/Halakhah

[2] Wikipedia. (2022). Modern Orthodox Judaism. In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 10, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Orthodox_Judaism

[3] Taubes, S. (2018). The Delicate Power of Modern Orthodox Judaism. Harvard Divinity Bulletin. https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/the-delicate-power-of-modern-orthodox-judaism/