Limmud Magyarország Alapítvány (Limmud Hungary)
"Oh My God, I’m Jewish!" was designed to explore the experiences of individuals across Hungary and Central Eastern Europe who discover their Jewish heritage later in life.
Many in this region, often due to the traumatic legacy of the Holocaust and the pressures of the communist era, were raised without knowledge of their Jewish ancestry, a history kept hidden by previous generations.
This discovery process, accelerated by the accessibility of DNA testing, presents unique challenges and questions for individuals seeking to connect with their Jewish roots, often as young adults or later in life.
With the tragedy of October 7 and the outbreak of conflict in Israel, the importance of gathering in person and the need for communal solidarity became evident. Due to these pressing circumstances and a previously noted decline in interest for online training, we chose to pivot to an in-person event. This allowed participants not only to reflect together on personal identity but also to process the recent crisis in an atmosphere of mutual support and shared prayer.
In response to the recent events in Israel, we added a morning service and prayer session dedicated to the victims and hostages, setting a tone of remembrance and reflection. The current crisis impacted the conversations deeply, both on and off the stage, bringing a sense of immediacy and emotional resonance to the event’s original theme of identity, heritage, and community.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The program included sessions tailored to guide participants in understanding and embracing their heritage, as well as addressing the complexities of connecting with Jewish identity later in life. Key sessions included:
- DNA Heritage Testing: Meaning and Reliability
A discussion led by genetics professor András Falus and biologist Judit Gervan, focusing on how to interpret DNA heritage results and their impact on personal identity.
- How to Handle Identity-Defining News in Adulthood
A workshop with psychologist and author Dávid Szél, offering insights and support for those grappling with life-changing discoveries about their ancestry.
- Workshops on Yiddish and Biblical Hebrew
These sessions allowed participants to connect with the language and cultural heritage of their ancestors, helping to foster a deeper bond with their Jewish identity.
Despite the challenging context, "Oh My God, I’m Jewish!" successfully provided a supportive environment where attendees could openly discuss the unique challenges and emotions tied to discovering one’s Jewish roots. By moving to an in-person format, participants were able to find common ground, share stories, and engage in meaningful dialogue, creating a sense of belonging that transcended individual backgrounds.
This gathering not only honored the original theme of identity discovery but underscored the importance of solidarity in times of crisis. The event was a powerful reminder of the enduring resilience and unity within our community, even as we face uncertain times.