Welcome to the world
GARY SAMOWITZ
TO my new niece Jade Helen Samowitz, welcome to the world. Over the coming years, you are going to learn how to talk, walk and give your uncle hugs. I’m so excited to watch you grow and develop into a beautiful woman.
When I first held you in my arms, you were so pure and innocent, everything about you a miracle. I was inspired to sit down and write something to you about how to get the most out of your next 120 years.
You are the latest link in a 3000-year chain of Jewish lineage, and in order to have a strong identity in this secular, modern world, it is important to understand your history and explore your roots.
Know where your parents and grandparents came from and ask them questions about their lives. You have been born Jewish, and your parents will create a Jewish home, but try and find out what it means to be Jewish for yourself and create your own relevant and meaningful identity.
Our tradition is overflowing with so many inspiring values; the importance of family, learning for learning’s sake, the call to pursue social justice and make the world a better place for all.
I think the more you learn about Judaism, the prouder you will feel about the religion and nation you have been born into. Through life you will encounter people from every nationality and religion. Engage with them (just don’t get engaged to them) and be enriched by their culture and values. Jewish culture is diverse: you have so many different foods to try and songs to learn.
A Jewish sage called Hillel once stated: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and study it.” Take heed of this simple principle, and invest time and energy into relationships. Hang around people who make you feel good and always try see the best in others.
Experiences with friends and family are the key ingredients to life, and someone who embodied this love of togetherness was my late bobba, Helen, who you are named after. She was a special person who cared passionately about family, Yiddishkeit and cricket. She would be so proud to see you, and I sense that many of the qualities that she possessed will be emulated by you.
Choose a career that you are passionate about and that you enjoy. Doing well at school is important, but do not let others make you feel that your year 12 results are what you are worth.
There is so much more to a successful life than academic achievement and money. Success is also about being a moral, honest person who contributes to society in a meaningful way.
Jade, respect yourself and embrace who you are. Accept your appearance and be confident within yourself. Do not buy into society’s obsession with looking perfect — there is no such thing.
I hate to admit this, but the world is not as pure and innocent as you. There are conflicts in dozens of countries, environmental degradation is threatening the future, and greedy, corrupt leaders are constantly squandering vital resources.
These are all man-made issues that can be reversed. Once you are old enough, you might have to get involved in solving these problems you have unfortunately inherited. You deserve a more peaceful world, so my generation will continue working towards overcoming these challenges.
People love giving advice (like this column), but make your own decisions and know that it is okay to fail and make mistakes. Life is a long journey of discovery and learning.
Jade, I love you very much and the world is a more perfect place now that you have arrived. As soon as you are ready, I will buy you an ice-cream and a copy of The Australian Jewish News.
Love Uncle Gary.
Gary Samowitz is CEO of Jewish Aid Australia.
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