Zach Fram

At first glance, most people see me as a regular guy just like the rest of them. However, there is one aspect of myself that I think separates me from those surrounding me. This is not the fact that I play guitar, roller hockey, or baseball; this is something bigger. This is what has shaped me into the man I am today: Judaism. Though I may or may not look particularly Jewish, this does not matter, because what matters is that I associate myself with, and truly believe in this religion. Day in and out, I make important decisions based on the fact that I am Jewish. One decision affected by my Judaism is the fact that I mainly hang out with other Jews, not because there is anything wrong with non-Jews, but more so because I happen to feel most comfortable with these people of the same religion as myself. Without Judaism, I also would not be the leader and social man I am today. In high school, I was a part of an organization called B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO), which is a youth-led movement for high school students. As I ended my time in BBYO as the treasurer, one of six board positions, for the organization in Atlanta, I was able to become a leader of my peers and develop work ethics that have already begun helping me in life. Having such responsibilities as managing money, creating fundraisers, and more, permitted me to improve my time-management, organization, and other skills I previously lacked. In addition, I celebrate Jewish holidays and sometimes have Shabbat dinners with my parents and siblings, both of which help explain the reason I am so close to my family. These are the times for us to become the closest, relax together, and just enjoy each other’s presence. Due to these close ties, my family has a large impact on my life as well, something that I hold very dear to my heart. Finally, being Jewish separates me from others and allows me to have a special connection with other Jews and certain traditions. There is no doubt that I would be a very different man if Judaism were not in my life to the extent it is today, whether in friends, hobbies, sports, or nearly any other aspect of my life.