This is my first “Dear Ben” article. It didn’t get published, but I figured I could post it on my blog without getting in trouble.
Dear Ben,
As you know, today is Yom Kippur. My family is Jewish and today is one of the only times in the year I celebrate my religion by wearing a Yamaka. But kids in school just don’t understand. They make fun of me and steal my Yamaka. How can I make the rest of my classmates understand that Yom Kippur is an important day for me without making myself look like an idiot?
-M.S
Dear M.S,
First off, I just want you to know that you are a very lucky kid. Out of thousands of letters, I chose you because I think your situation is something everyone can relate to. The truth is, kids these days are always looking for new things to make fun of. The best way to handle situations like these is to either laugh it off or ignore it. Whichever way you choose, just stay confident and don’t play their game.
Sometimes kids make fun of things because they don’t understand what they are. Explain to them that you are Jewish, and that wearing a skull cap on Yom Kippur is a normal Jewish tradition. Be assertive. Organize an assembly and put together a wicked awesome Yom Kippur slide show with rock music in the background.
As for the Yamaka itself, I have some tips that might earn you a little less ridicule. Make your Yamaka a fashion statement. You don’t always have to go with the traditional plain black. I found a website, Judaica.com, which sells graphic, patterned, and colored Yamakas. You may find that a Yamaka can be as cool and expressive as a tee shirt. But just in case people still try to steal it, I would pack a few extra in my back pocket, just to be safe.
Finally, don’t be ashamed of your culture. If people make fun of you, and an explanation doesn’t work, walk away and tell a teacher. Religious prejudice usually isn’t allowed in schools. Enjoy your Yom Kippur!
Sincerely,
Ben
this was really funny ben. i wish it was published lol.
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