Faye Schulman's
Legacy of Pride

Before we dive into how to level up our pride, let's look at someone who lived it: My mom, Faye Schulman, the very namesake of this website.

Faye Schulman was a Jewish Partisan who fought the Nazis in the forests of Eastern Europe. Her camera, a skill the Nazis initially forced her to use, became her weapon and her witness. While others used guns, Faye used her lens to capture the faces of her fellow resistance fighters and document their commitment to life and dignity.

Her story is the ultimate definition of Jewish Pride: taking the tools of oppression (like photography, which could have been used against her people) and using them to assert freedom, preserve truth, and fight back. 

When we feel proud of our Jewish identity, we're standing in the same line of courage as Faye Schulman - a legacy of fierce survival and active resistance.

Own Your Story:
Why Jewish Pride is our Superpower

Let’s be real. Being Jewish today can feel complicated. Maybe you're the only one in your friend group, or maybe you've had to explain Hanukkah one too many times. But what if we told you that being Jewish isn't just about history class or family dinners? It’s a massive, vibrant, 4,000-year-old legacy that gives us a superpower: Jewish Pride.

Jewish Pride is simple: It’s the feeling we get when we realize our identity is cool, resilient, and totally unique. It’s not just a feeling; it’s an action. It’s choosing to be loud and proud about who we are.

Faye Schulman triumphant

From Survivor Stories
To Superstar Status

You’ve probably heard a lot about Jewish history's tough moments—the struggles, the exiles, and the dark times. Those stories are important, but they only tell half the tale. Jewish Pride flips the script.

Think of it like this: Our ancestors were the ultimate survivors. For thousands of years, they faced every challenge imaginable, and yet, they kept the traditions, the jokes, and the knowledge alive. That’s the DNA we carry.

When we celebrate our heritage, we're linking up with a global team that never gives up. We're not just remembering the past; we’re saying, "I inherited this strength, and I'm using it now."

  • The Original Innovators: We're talking about a culture obsessed with asking questions and challenging the status quo. From creating some of the world's most foundational moral codes (the basis of Western law to producing game-changers in science (hello, Albert Einstein!) and culture (yup, so many TV shows and movies you love), we have always been ahead of the curve.
  • A Culture of Questioning: Our whole religious tradition is built on debate and discussion. That’s why we’re often called the "People of the Book"—we value knowledge, arguments, critical thinking.
  • Real Talk: Your Pride, Your Way: Jewish Pride isn't a one-size-fits-all uniform. It’s a massive playlist with every genre imaginable. It’s about finding the parts that truly resonate with you.

1. Plug Into the Living Culture

Forget dusty books! Jewish culture is booming right now.

  • The Food: Is there anything more universally loved than a hot bagel, incredible hummus, or crispy latkes? Our food tells a story of migration and adaptability. Own the deliciousness!
  • The Humor: Jewish comedy is legendary for a reason. It’s smart, self-deprecating, and fiercely observant. Sharing that unique humor is a powerful way to connect.
  • The Language: Even knowing a few words of Hebrew or Yiddish, connects you to millions of people and thousands of years of history.

2. Justice Mode: Have you heard the term ”Tikkun Olam”?

It’s a Hebrew term meaning "repairing the world," which refers to actions aimed at improving society and promoting social justice. It has its roots in Jewish tradition and has evolved to emphasize human responsibility for making the world a better place.

Our history taught us what it feels like to be on the outside. That experience fuels the core Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World). Jewish Pride means standing up for ourselves, fighting antisemitism, and fighting for the rights of everyone—no matter their background, color, or orientation. This commitment to justice is a huge part of our identity.

Camera and Star of David

The Inclusion Squad

The Jewish world is not one type of person. It's a kaleidoscope of backgrounds, and celebrating this diversity is what true pride looks like:

  • Jews of Color: Recognizing and celebrating the incredible communities of Ethiopian, Mizrahi (Middle Eastern), and Sephardi (Spanish/North African) Jews who have always been here.
  • LGBTQ+ Pride: Being proudly Jewish and proudly queer are not things we have to choose between. Jewish Pride means making space for everyone who claims this identity.

Three Ways to
Level Up Our Jewish Pride

Want to go from passively Jewish to actively proud? Start here:

  1. Stop Explaining, Start Sharing: Instead of feeling awkward about our holidays or traditions, share them with confidence. Bring your friends to a community event, teach them a Hebrew word, or tell them a funny family story about the Seder. Own the narrative.
  2. Find Your Tribe: Whether it's a youth group, a college Hillel, an online Jewish creator that you follow, or a social justice organization, find people who get it. Connection eliminates isolation and makes our pride stronger.
  3. Use Your Voice and Wear Your Symbols: Antisemitism is real, and sometimes it can make us want to shrink down. Don't.

Think about the Star of David (the Magen David). During the Holocaust, the Nazis forced Jewish people to wear a yellow Star of David patch. It was a calculated, horrible act meant to publicly mark Jews, humiliate them, strip them of their rights, and make them feel inferior.

We Took That Symbol Back

Here’s the unbelievable power of our resilience and pride

Today, when we confidently wear a Star of David pendant, or kippah in public, we're not just representing our faith. We're actively reversing one of the darkest tools of oppression. We're transforming a symbol of forced shame into a powerful declaration of unapologetic strength and survival. We’re honouring the spirit of fighters like Faye Schulman.

Jewish Pride means confidently speaking out against hate, correcting misinformation, and wearing our symbols openly. It’s a sign that we are present, powerful, and proudly claiming our identity on our own terms.

The takeaway? Jewish Pride is our inheritance. It’s a pass to join a global conversation that has shaped the world. It’s our culture, our history, and our right to celebrate. Wear it loud. Wear it proud.