Nice Jewish Girl

We live in such a diverse world, and I find myself always learning something new about the cultures and traditions all around me.  I keep on running across people in life and in my classes that do not have any background on Judaism, and have never lived around Jewish people.  So the most basic things that popular culture knows, are not common sense to everybody.  Since I got married I have become more observant, what does that mean?  Many Jews call themselves cultural, holidays, food, and traditions, but not any more than that.  Most observant Jews will keep Kosher, keeping specific dietary laws, keep Shabbat, Saturday is the day of rest, many rules of what not to do on that day. Also keeping the holidays fully, not driving, going to synagogue, and following specific rituals and traditions.

Today I was trying to make an appointment, and the only day they had available was a Saturday, and the gentleman I was talking to had an accent, I didn't want to go into a whole story about why I could not make it on Saturday.  So I told him it was my family day, and I am a Nice Jewish Girl.  Then I started thinking what that actually meant to me and to others, especially those with no background of the practices of Jewish people.

Nice.

I am definitely nice.  Today when I was going to take my teacher's Yoga class, I noticed two ladies carrying their babies, there is a kids club where they can leave their kids and go work out.  I held the door open for them, and other people were behind them, so with a smile I just kept on holding the door.  The last lady told me she wanted to hold the door for me, and with a laugh I went in first.  I like being positive, bringing silliness and happiness everywhere I go.

Jewish.

I am 100% Jewish from both sides, named after my great grandmother on my father's side, Yehudit, but in Soviet Union times, you were not allowed to to use Hebrew names.  So Yulia was the closest Russian name, and I like having an outer me and an inner me, but I am definitely Jewish inside and out.

Girl.

I like the world girl, it has a "young" connotation, and I feel strong, fit, full of energy, and not with ego I say beautiful.  I am 100% me and want to inspire everyone around me to be 100% genuine and free.

I decided to google, Nice Jewish Girl, and didn't get a specific answer, but found a whole bunch of interesting stereotypes in different time periods, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotypes_of_Jews.

All I know is that we are all unique no matter what our background is,

Shine bright from within,

Live with pride, show your roots,

Be open and respect people around you from all walks of life,

That is what I am teaching my kids,

Coach Yulia