As an Orthodox Jew, the concept of making a “kiddush Hashem,” which literally translates to sanctifying the name of G-d, is a meaningful idea for me. The general implication of that phrase is that as Orthodox Jews, we are to represent ourselves as good, upstanding people, or as we say in Judaism, a “mentsch!” Someone who acts appropriately at all times. As God fearing Jews, we are to represent our best selves at all times, especially when interacting with those of other religions, beliefs and races.

That foundation was the seed for my insights when traveling to Israel for our new grandson born almost a month ago. On the flight, several quick and seemingly minor incidents occurred in succession. But these snapshots of life on the airplane made me think about how we as Orthodox Jews appear to the outside world. Sometimes it’s pretty and sometimes it’s not so pretty. And whether or not it’s pretty or ugly, or somewhere in between, we are noticed.

Here is my article, currently up on “Jew in the City” – a favorite website of mine. Jewinthecity.com is a wonderful organization that reverses negative associations that people have about religious Jews.

Check out their various programs such as Project Makom.

And please share with me your additional insights on my article about why Orthodox Jews have to conduct ourselves exceptionally at all times.