I Am Jewish

When I clicked on this I never thought I would cry like I did. This is beautifully made and so heartfelt.

Thank you my Jewish brother. I am not a nice Jewish boy, I am a Jewish man, and I love it when other Jews stand up for who they are.

Thank You for being who you are. I AM NOT Jewish. But I thank God that you are. Ive lost count how many times Ive read stories & articles on aish.com and they have made me feel good, touched my heart or made me cry. Thank You for being you!!

I am sitting listening to this and tears are rolling down my face. Wow. Thats all I can say! Thank you.

This boy needs some Torah. A jewish identity is lacking without it!

Dear Jazzed Up, Andrew Lustig does not need Torah. He already has his act together. Nothing seems to be missing from his life. Too many people I know are just Torah observant with no real meaning behing it. The do it because it is what they think they are suppose to do.

I cried and cried and cried. I am an Orthodox Jewish girl but don't really knows what it means JEwish.

To be a Jew is to be an expression of God's will in the world - and every one is unique

Another video titled "A Letter from Jerusalem" in which the individual literally blasted the world for their inaction when we have been attacked and murdered and beaten into the dust and then had the chutzpah to DARE tell us to make nice with the same people who don't hesitate to cut our throats. It had the same passion, even the same tempo of this video. That is what happens when anyone gets pushed into a wall with apparently no way out. It is the way that I HAVE been asked where my horns were; I have been ambushed by Catholic school children my age who literally stoned me until they hit an artery and blood started squirting out of my head because I had killed their little baby Jesus. Yeah, it was "fun" being the only "Christ killer" in my school who admitted proudly that I was a Jew while the few others denied their tribe. It took years before I would walk down the same side of a street on which a Christian church stood. If both sides had churches, I took another street. My shield of David is made from the remains of a Katusha rocket and when people ask me if I am a Jew I NEVER deny it, and then I tell them what the star's material is made from. It is hard to reign in my hatred of those who hate us without even knowing WHY they hate us. I am tired of challenging idiots who think that we killed their god, but I do anyway because it is beyond time that they leaned that time travel doesn't exist. And if their "god" is dead, who do they pray to? Playing with morons is fun. The only thing about this video I disagreed with was when he said that the "Old Testament" is the Torah. Sorry, it is the Tenach. I keep it on my Kindle Fire...hmm...I think I'll start calling it my Kindle Aish! I'm placing a copy of this excellent video on my tablets along with Danny Ayaon's incredible Truth About series on YouTube.

I was also reminded of "A Letter From Jerusalem." That was fabulous. But I think the similarity was in the tempo of the narration. This one just showed different ways that Jewish identity expresses itself. The tempo seemed out of place.

this is an excelent presentation. this should be taught in Hhebrew high school in the world.

this is beautiful. So heartfelt!

I listened to this and loved it. Is the text of his words anywhere?

While everyone is entitled to their opinion I find it interesting that so many people were touched by this video. To me it is sad and very telling of the state of Judaism these days. We are moved by such superficial aspects of what we deem "Judaism" (i.e. bagels and lox) and not what really makes us Jews...Torah and following the Mitzvot! Getting a tattoo of a star of David, going to concerts on Shabbat and eating unkosher food but picking the cheese off is not Judaism. You should rename the video, "One Jew's answer to what it means to be an ASSIMILATED Jew"

I was saddened by this video as well.

But hes trying and searching and thats what matters. I hope he continues searching and discovers his main goal in life and meaning of Judaism.

You guys missed the point. People were not moved by this because these "superficial aspects" are what they really believe Judaisim is about. It moved people because it expressed so deeply that inexplainable connection, every Jew, no matter how assimilated, feels about being a Jew. Their constant struggle, to understand what being a Jew means to them and how there are some things that even they don't understand why they do (like taking the cheese of a treif burger). There is a "pintele yid" in even the most assimilated Jew, a spark waiting to fanned in to flames. Perhaps as a frum Jew you do not connect to this video but people who did not start out frum or who aren't frum yet, deeply connect to the feeling this video conveys, that yearning of your soul that is constantly struggling to understand what it means to be a Jew before you have any information and why you feel so strongly connected to things like a chai around your neck and the blowing of a shofar.

I think this is a really negative way to look at things. He isn't saying "this is Judaism" he is saying, this is what is left of me. Basically "I have a Jewish soul. This is what it means to me." In a world where people would deny their Jewish heritage, try to make themselves "look less Jewish" and hide the fact that they are making those steps to keep kosher, it is inspiring that someone is saying "this is me and I'm not ashamed of it" Even though those ties to Judaism may be flawed and they may not be in keeping with the Torah, the fact that those ties still exist is hope that maybe something else can come of it. A completely assimilated Jew, won't publicly admit they are Jewish or even talk about it. "Oh yeah my parents are Jewish but..." Is the reality of the situation a bit sad? Yes, but in the end of the day, a Jew, is a Jew, is a Jew and we shouldn't be ashamed of it.

That's kind of harsh. Yes, you are right, doing the mitzvahs is what makes us Jews, not tats, etc. In fact tattoos are prohibited by Torah. But you illustrated, unintentionally, one of the biggest problems we as a people face; calling a nice Jewish kid an assimilated Jew. At least he is trying to get the word out and I can accept that. I live in a part of the world, Texas, where getting kosher meat or poultry is almost impossible. For someone who is on Social Security, it is impossible. Who can afford the prices? It would be nice to be able to live a total Torah life, but comes Shabbat or any other time when we shouldn't drive or use electricity, it would be IMPOSSIBLE for us Texas Jews to walk to shul, we either drive or don't go at all. I am disabled, I cannot use a manual wheelchair because my arms are too weak, so I use a powered wheelchair. Frankly, I don't think that Hashem is going to be too upset because I use battery power...it is NOT KINDLING A FIRE. C'mon, let's stop this judging each other and just love and accept each other for being who we are because the last time we all went around stupidly hating each other for no reason, we lost Eretz Yisrael and the Temple and the whole ball of wax. Those who forget their history are condemned to repeat it. Shalom...and why are people so danged afraid to give their names? Anonyous? Feh.

I find it sad that you can't find beauty in this. It may not be your idea of Judaism but it is someones(very much a sliver of the cultural aspect) and it is at least something! He wasn't talking about having a Hanukkah bush! I am far more observant than this man but it was moving and inspiring. Your attitude is the problem with Judaism today, is why we are so divided. This is why I fear for Judaism's future. If we can't stop putting down each other how then will we face far greater foes?

i felt that the very point of this video was to present non superficial aspects of Judaism!! He spoke about being part of a greater people and that one persons success or failure represents him and many other HUGE ideas. Yes, he may have included many things that are not 100% perfect Judaism like the tatoo as your said. But i dont believe that that was the point. And, going with that example, even though a tattoo is defiantly not ideal maybe in that teenage boy it was a huge step to coming closer to torah and mitzvot! In addition, those were not the words of an assimilated Jew. An assimilated Jew does not look deeper into Judiasim the way he did. That is NOT assimilation.

i can't stop crying. with pride and love of being a Torah Jew, of knowing and loving what it means to be Jewish. of loving and accepting every Jew. Thank you Andrew for your profundity and eloquence.

Great Andrew! I am not Jewish but am pro-Jew, die hard pro-Israel. When I was in Grade 4, my mother told me, Do you know why there is God? Because there are Jews. I did not really understand that by then but what she said was deeply etched in my heart. This is beautifully poignant.

this made me so proud to be Jewish. You stand up and be heard.

Your inspiring presentation serves to intensify within me the deep longing to become a part of Am Yisrael.

that one day it will be." Those words spoken about 4 minutes into the video made me burst out with sobs. If the youth can be confident, maybe things can become better within Judaism. I must say that I my age, I have hope, but not much confidence.

This is good to the point of being funny ironic. However we are both the religion / people AND the state as much as other nation states and if we had had the state in the 1937 Peel Report or even if the rabbinate had led the East European Jews to Palestine in 1919 - 21 before the gates were shut to, "absorbtive capacity," the Shoah would not have triaged us. Since 1948 we have not lost a community. Conversely if Akiba and Bar Kochba had taken the state advice offered not to charge bald headed at the Romans, we would not have had to be so tortuous about religion. Just remember: the Poles, Irish and Spanish are Catholic, the English Episcopalian and the Russians Bulgars and Romanians Greek Orthodox all to make an identity point against the neighbours but they do not frazzle because they are not dispersed.

You are an inspiration. Your passion, your honesty, your complexity is what we want to see in our children and grandchildren. May we all see our jewishness through your eyes.

I would like to see it printed, it sounds good, but english isn't my language, alas!

Wow! Good job Andrew! Truly amazing work. I think I'll have to watch you again a few times to catch it all. I'm not Jewish, but I love the Jews. I'm a Christian. I disagree with one point: The Jews didn't kill Jesus. The Romans did, and if they didn't, we would not have had the Spotless Lamb sacrificed on our behalf. When the final pieces of Old Testament profecy, about the Messiah, come to pass, you can rest assured there will be peace in Israel! It will definitely be sweet! Thank you Andrew for opening my eyes about Judaism. I would love to be a Jew. May G.. richly bless you and your family, Andrew. You are truly precious!

Is this Arnost Lustig's family. I have read some of his books after being in the Czech Republic. Bev Price Johannesburg.

Excellent job bro!

Super! Amazing! I'm speechless, you are so talented, may Hashem help you to always use your talents for good like this-uniting all Jews! :)

I'd llike to see the writen text. This is a gem.

Good stuff.

AMAYN AMAYN AMAYN!! May HaShem continue to bring you much simcha, hatzlacha, brachos and health to you and your family. As a Jew struggling with identity, I cannot express my gratitude and satisfaction enough.

Yesher Koach to you and those that supported you in your endeavor!

i have a mesorah from har sinai.... and you do too!

How very wonderful!! my heart is still racing after watching your presentation........and i can't wait to see it again, and again, and again! I loved every word............and I'm not some simpering teen, but a grandmother many times over! Kudos to all involved.......and many, many thanks!

As a Jew growing up in 1940-1950s America I have wanted to shout those words many times but didn't. I did stand up to hecklers and ignorant people but never said those words. I applaud you!

This is awesome, simply put. it makes you want to laugh and cry, smile and frown , all at the same time. It expresses the confusion yet somehow clarifies it as well.

As your grandmother would say: G-d willing, one day you'll be a lawya! (Your great-great-grandmother: He'll be a great Rabbi someday!)

Beautiful but sad....maybe soon you will have the answers to all your questions...hopefully very soon....from 'the Great I AM...

with tears in my eyes---this is just wonderful---

A great piece of poetry makes everyone who hears it think it was custom made for them. Thanks for sharing this with us.

What is the piece playing at the beginning?

Maya, The piece playing at the beginning is from the Schindler's List movie score, composed by John Williams.

Hi Maya. I believe it's the theme from Schindler's List.

This is amazing. It should be required viewing for everyone. Andrew does something that few are able to do. He transcends boundaries, showing that in essence, we are one people. I salute and Thank you !

You express the collectivesa voices from each of our pasts.without those voices we are directionless. We each have am obligation to process the past after learning and affirming whatwas given to us by our ancestors./

Gives me hope for the next generation of Jews. Lovely.

wow. that left me speechless (hard task indeed!) thanks for sharing and stating what so many pple think but could never put so eloquently...

Good stand on what it means to be Jewish. The more Jews marry Jewish, the greater the momentum of Jewish continuity. But, the more intermarriages there are between Jews and non-Jews, then the Jewish people could be lost. That's why Jewish intermarriage really eliminates the purpose in being Jewish (IMO a Jew should marry another Jew or no one at all)....All in all, since I am born from both parents being Jewish, I essentially have the unique opportunity, as well as obligation to marry Jewish. G-d willing, the Jewish matchmaking website Sawyouatsinai.com will really help me find my bashert.

I love it!

Anthony: we are a nation.

Modern Jewish identity presented by a 21st century Beat poet. Brilliant!!

Very inspirational. By the way, the time on this video is 541, How coincidental ! That is the gematria /numerical value of the word Yisroel

By the time this video ended, I was weeping and rejoicing and could not distinguish between the two emotions that gave rise to my response to Andrew Lustig ... the Jew. Would to G-D that ALL young people could project a open-face to the world and confidently speak "their truth" with such candor and personal power. I celebrate you, Andrew ... and I am not a Jew. Shalom!

Yes , one day it will happen, that it will all become clear, the Messiah will reveal it all , just wait for Him , He is not far away.....

Wow. truley amazing!

Thank you so much for sharing your impassioned narrative about a concept that is so hard for most of us to put into words. We are so much more than what one might think, but at the same time, very much what our cultural baggage-heavy and lite, hold. I was amazed at how many references you could get into this video (my favorites- phish shows, overnight camp, and i am my own tune for adon olam-brilliant!), and how they were disparate and wedded at the same time. Again, thank you, B'Shalom, Ira

This begs the questions are we, Jews, a race or a religion? Perhaps both? The younger generation certainly is helping us to release the shackles of dogma, and begin to feel the Jewish identity from within. I feel that I can relate to this. There is a very big picture that many of us Jews fail to see or appreciate, and consequently there is division within our ranks as ego takes hold, and the ugly face of religious superiority surfaces. Time to learn what we are to learn, my brethren, and that learning will set us free, as it will unites us as a people.

Thanks..I really liked that. It felt good to me to hear who you are and I know who I am a liitle more. I share the conflict, the pride, the pleasure and the shame. It's good to have you as a brother .

To be a Jew is all these things...expressed by a young man with such passion that it makes my heart thump louder....it makes me proud that he is one of us....that he has captured the essence of all Jews everywhere!! Come and speak to my grandchildren....

Good job! You touched upon so much at once!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

so good - i'm a jew 2 :)

I LOVED IT!!! I am Jewish and I thank God for it. At Yom Kipper during one of our prayers it say's Thank you God for making me a Jew". God Bless you Andrew,he all ready has, it is good to see the younger generation feels this way. AM ISRAEL CHAI!!! Shalom

You express yourself purposefully and eloquently. Let us remember that G-d has created us for a much loftier purpose than enjoying (some of us do!) gefilte fish and other physical trimmings of Judaism. If you have children you will doubtlessly feel inclined to pass on your positive emotions about your heritage to them. You will want them to follow in your path. However, remember that emotions will only last as long as there is a stimulus for them to exist. The future of the Jewish people cannot be guaranteed through emotions alone. If we want to play our part in the survival of the Jews, long term, the only guaranteed way is to steer ourselves back to fulfilling our duties as Jews. The only one who can define those duties is G-d who has kindly given us all the details of what He expects from us in His Holy Torah. When we learn it and perform its Mitzvot, then we are driving in the right direction. May you always have a safe and successful journey to your life goal of true success!

I love what u said. So passionate, direct and honest, most importantly proud and confident. I love it

very intense.. deep, it hit my heart

love is stronger than hate

WOW!

A powerful videopoem. Bravo!

So honest. So touching. So relevant. I am a 49-year old guy with tears n my eyes watching this film. I'll keep this short so I can share it with my family. Absoluitely beautiful.

HE IS WHAT HE FEELS.,AND HE IS NOT AFRAD TO TO TEL WHAT HE IS.I WISH TO MANY JEWISH KIDS TO TAKE A "DUGMA"EXEMPLE.LOVE YOU FOR THAT. SHALOM

And HaShem loves you, and so do I. Keep searching and stay positive; the good Lord never forsakes us when we try.

That was great!!! Thank you for taking the time to make the video and put it on-line!

I AM PROUD THAT MY BACK GROUND IS ALL JEWISH. AMONG THE SIX MILLION JEWS, THAT WERE TAKEN FROM THIS EARTH, ARE MY FAMILY. MAY THIS NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN TO ANY RELIGION.

Mr. Lustig passionately represents young American Jewry. I do hope he will come & learn (at Aish HaTorah!) how to combine all his thoughts and connect the "Jewish" with HaSh-m, who is so apparent here in Eretz Yisroel. B'hatzlocha!

He is one super kid! He said it all, the way I feel, the way I grew up and the way I just am! Mazel Tov on the beautiful truth about being a Jew.

His statements show the vast diversity of what being Jewish means not only to him, but to many. Of course, his concepts and dichotomous statements certainly do not apply to all Jewish souls, but do apply to many.

a fresh take on an important question!

"I Am Jewish" is anything but that.

Israel- to "wrestle with G-d" is Jewish. This young man is wrestling with his religion and his desire to find his place in it. It may not be yours or my "cup of tea" but thank G-d he wants to be Jewish and relate to it.

Anonymous@2:08pm....your response is perfect!! I have 3 sons and it is often a struggle.

Well said. Our religion has to be personalized in order to be real to us. We have to follow the laws and rules, but it's a great mitzvah to to make the religion your own. Even if it means dancing to the beat of another drummer.

Hello Anonymous. Andrew Lustig written and produced this brisk talk from his heart. He is the voice that continues from his Grandmother's past, the next generation from Schlinder's List. It's Andrew's reality of where he came from and his heart-felt duty to continue to speak out about the Holocaust and the effect it has had on the future generations like himself. Give merit to Brandeis University that is helping students like Andrew to know where he came from that made him who he is today. The voice of those on Schlinder's List continues in the youth of this generation, if not them who can with the convictions that past and future has brought us to. Andrew isn't speaking from a study of the Holocaust, he is speaking from his personal roots that is instilled within him. Struggling with stereotypes others think what being Jewish means, to what it means to him being Jewish, disembodied from stereotypes given. He knows he is alive today because of a goy that made that possible, a cemetery of goyims is why he can give this talk today. He knows he is given this opportunity to do more than average, searching for the answers to make the most of what he has been given. Andrew is making a difference for the next and next generations, on Campus and worldwide, for his voice will reach millions right here on Aish.com. May Andrew Lustig circle of influence continue to enlarge, he has a very important message to bring to the world today, and for future generations. Thank you Andrew for answering the call to continue to be a voice to the world, your Grandmother's Holocaust survivor's voice, the voice of the living will be heard. THANKS!