Signer Spotlight: Karen Cinnamon
Why did you sign the Jewish Future Promise?
To honor our ancestors that work so hard to get us to where we are today as a people, and to protect what we have for future generations. Sadly, my mum died a couple of years ago and since then I realize the true meaning of l’dor v’dor. I see myself doing things from her that I want to pass down, and there’s this sense of wanting to continue the pride, traditions, and culture to ensure Jewish continuity.
Why is Jewish joy so essential?
I talk a lot about being the light in the darkness, and I think that’s something that stops a lot of Jews from feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world. If you can focus of goodness, being a light, and being more Jewish to give strength to others, then that strengthens our community, and we lift ourselves up. Practicing gratitude for being Jewish is so valuable.
What is your advice for raising proud Jewish children?
I have two girls, and I think the reason they’re so confident in their identity is because we have a lot of fun at home with being Jewish. It can be baking challah together and throwing on sprinkles, going around the table at Shabbat and talking about a highlight from our week, or reading a Jewish book together. And do it year-round, and not just on the holidays.
Our children copy us when we make things relevant and fun, and Judaism is no exception. If you want your children to love Judaism, make sure you have a solid handle on why you’re proud to be Jewish yourself and what Jewish things spark joy for you…and then do those things together with your children!
Why is it so important to maintain our sense of Jewish identity?
It’s so important to understand our heritage, stories, diversity, backgrounds, and our history. In these times we’re living through now, simply being able to answer difficult questions about Judaism and Jewish life counts as advocacy. Interfaith dialogue is so important.
I also think it’s important to find a Jewish community. It’s much easier to speak out and take pride if you have a community behind you that is boosting you, cheering you on, and encouraging you to be you.
Why is it so important to give Jewishly?
Tzedakah is a fundamental Jewish value. Whether it be giving in terms of finances or giving your time to projects, do what you can and do the things that connect your heart.
What steps can any Jew or ally take to ensure the Jewish future?
We must have Jewish pride, own our identity, and live pridefully like the Jewish Future Promise encourages us to, antisemitism will simmer down. Being robust and resilient is how we get stronger as a community.
It can be small things: wearing a Magen David, listening to Jewish music, adding a Star of David to your Instagram bio, or baking challah occasionally. I take great pride in buying challah from a lovely bakery every Friday – it’s my routine and I love it.
Judaism evolves. We can’t necessarily do what our ancestors did hundreds of years ago, and many of us don’t have that sort of time as full-time working people. It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as what you do is joyful to you.
Bio
Named one of the top 100 Influential Jews of 2022 and 2023 in the Jewish 100, Karen Cinnamon is an esteemed author, podcast host, and founder of the world’s largest Jewish wedding media platform, Smashing The Glass. Karen was also the 50,000th signer of the Jewish Future Promise. You can follow her on Instagram at @yourjewishlife.
