First Person Singular: Your thoughts, your words
Jewish teen, Catholic school

By Avrah Urecki
Charleston Catholic High School

My name is Avrah. I am the oldest daughter of a rabbi. I’m Jewish and I’m a junior at Charleston Catholic High School.

What is it like being Jewish at a Catholic school? If you had asked me that question on my first day as a freshman, I would have told you that it feels different being a Jew at a Catholic school.

Ask me now, two years later, and my response is this: It’s amazing how Jewish I feel at a Catholic school.

Let me explain.

When I walk into school each morning, I am constantly reminded of my Jewish faith. Our student body opens each day with the Lord’s Prayer and we end each day “in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.” I see crosses in every classroom.

Ironically, this reinforces my faith. When I see religion playing an important part in the lives of those around me, it tells me that I should take my religion seriously. I’m proud of who I am, and I carry my faith with me everywhere I go.

Being Jewish at a Catholic school doesn’t allow me to take my faith for granted, either. I am looked upon as a representative of my faith and am frequently asked to offer my insight to many discussions, especially in my Theology classes.

I may be different because of my faith, but I find that to be a most rewarding experience. I am challenged to be more knowledgeable about Judaism because I must make sure I know why we Jews do certain things. I am also challenged to, as my theology teachers’ constantly remind us students, “grow in my faith.”

I never realized that a religious school could be so open to other faiths. I am able to learn about all different types of religions, compare them to my own religion and discover where my faith should lead me. I am learning to feel the connection all religions share with God and the connection my own religion plays in my life.

I am writing this after the holiest Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur — “The Day of Atonement.” The teachers have been most understanding that I was not in class today and that I couldn’t do my homework or study.

I am scared to death about going back tomorrow, though, because the hardest part for me about being a Jew at a Catholic school is missing school for a Jewish holiday. I will find myself behind and worry about catching up. I also know that in the spring, two other Jewish holidays will occur, leading to more absences and more “make-up” tests and assignments.

However, perhaps the most difficult thing is knowing that I will be expected to explain the holiday when I get back. I must be prepared to share my “faith experience” with my class. Being Jewish in a Catholic school means my faith is not only a part of my life but a part of my schooling as well.

My name is Avrah. I am Jewish, and I hope to be a fashion designer one day. I attend a Catholic school with mass and uniforms. Talk about weird!

What’s it like being Jewish at a Catholic school? It’s different, but it’s also amazing. I am closer to my faith now than I’ve ever been. My Jewish life is at my synagogue and in my home but it’s also in my school, even if that school is a Christian one.