“I wasn’t as secure in my Judaism when I first moved to St. Charles. It felt like a very Christian space to occupy. When I started my practice, I’d take off for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but wouldn’t tell people why. As the years have gone by, I’ve gotten more comfortable sharing. I’ll tell people, ‘I’m taking off for a Jewish holiday.’ A lot of people have never met a Jewish person. So they’ll ask me questions out of curiosity, like, ‘What’s Chanukah?’ or ‘What’s kosher?’ In a way, I feel like I’m a representative for Jewish people. I want to represent myself well, but I feel extra pressure because whatever they think about me they are going to think about all Jewish people.

There have also been people who have tried to convert me. They give me cards and say things like, ‘I’m a Jew for Jesus. Let me give you this information.’ I have patients from all different religions. And after I installed a mezuzah on the door post of my office, I got questions. Even when I told my dad, he said, ‘Are you comfortable doing that?’ He was concerned there might be an anti-Semitic act against me. But I told him, ‘We’ll be fine.’

People sometimes say, ‘Oh, you’re one of the chosen ones,’ meaning, ‘You’re special.’ It makes me a bit uncomfortable. What are you supposed to say to them, ‘Thank you?’ But then I also get cards from patients during Chanukah, even ones who are Catholic. It’s sweet when people acknowledge that It makes me feel welcome. My practice is very family-oriented, so I like that people ask me about the holidays. More and more people will wish me happy Jewish holidays, but during Christmastime, I still get ‘Merry Christmas!’ Some even know I’m Jewish and I wonder, ‘Do you not realize?’ Occasionally, I get lazy and just say, ‘Thanks.’ Other times when people ask me, ‘What are you doing for Christmas?’ I say, ‘I’m Jewish. I don’t celebrate Christmas.’ It opens up a dialogue. Sometimes even after that conversation, people will say, ‘Have a Merry Christmas!’ as they’re leaving. I guess it’s more of a wishing of goodwill, not them telling me, ‘Go celebrate Christmas.’”

📷| Colleen O’Connell Smyth