Unapologetically Jewish

By Dara Shay

In an age of masks, social distancing, and turbulence, I didn’t expect to feel more connected in any way. I usually place little expectation on a Zoom call as it's the only alternative for social hours that we have in 2020. Yet seeing familiar faces and even hearing the voices of friends and family can make all the difference in a time of isolation.

Graphic by Sydney Hilbush

It was July when my mom and I started joining our aunt and uncles’ weekly Sunday Zoom call. Our family was making bruschetta and chatting, and to be honest I’d mostly call it bickering in a Jewish household. My family from Massachusetts, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Palm Springs continues to gather virtually each week in the hearts of our Jewish homes– our kitchens. To this day, we’ve made everything from mango ice cream to pad see-ew, not to mention the many Iraqi-Jewish dishes we’ve cooked.

Each family member, from 9-years-old to 80-something picks a recipe to lead each week. My fondest memories are of the Iraqi dishes we cooked that my uncle remembers from his childhood in Baghdad. Kibbeh and shakshuka are among some of my favorites from the culturally-significant recipes. My family has reconnected through our roots, our recipes, our banter, and most importantly through our food.

Our calls extend far beyond cooking, as we’d be discussing the election, the pandemic, and the other bizarre factors that define 2020. With each passing week, we gather to celebrate the milestones that we’d never be able to celebrate in person without traveling hundreds and even thousands of miles. Birthdays, anniversaries, first days of school, and holidays pass but one thing constant remains– the loud, unapologetic, hilarious vibrancy that is my Jewish family.

This vibrancy makes me feel anything but lonely. It reminds me that my people are out there cheering me on, even from afar. And while hugging my aunts, uncles, and cousins and sharing meals around one grand table would be ideal, I appreciate the luxury that this new tradition holds. I can meet with my family virtually– whenever, wherever. Some of the greatest traditions are born out of the strangest times. So even though this year has been chaos, it’s shown me that I can create love and community in any circumstance. And so can you.