The Jewish Federations of North America started a campaign in March of this year called “What’s Your #ish?”  Every time someone posts their #ish (a sentence or 2 or a video about what it means to them to be Jewish) on the website, a quarter is donated to the $50,000 #ish fund which goes towards Israel solidarity, poverty, Jewish identity, global needs, and elder care.  People can vote on the site where they would like the money to go.

When you go to whatsyourish.com you can look at the things other people have posted and post your own.  The site also has videos that you can watch, which range from funny sketches to actors talking about their #ish.

The site says says, “Being Jewish means something different to everyone. Whatever it means to you, that’s your #ish.” After watching the videos and reading through the posts, I’m struck by the diversity.  Just like on The Jew and The Carrot, there are people from all walks of life speaking out on what is important to them.  #ish’s ranged from religious to secular and from silly to serious.  I really enjoyed reading through peoples’ thoughts, and I saw a little bit of myself in almost every #ish.

My #ish is that I’m proud to be a part of a community that uses its rich tradition as a way to be thoughtful about present day issues.

Go to the site to post yours!