On September 18, 2020, American society lost Justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsberg, but it had more of a significant effect on the Jewish community. Ginsberg was the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice since 1969, and the second female Supreme Court Justice in all of American history.
Ginsberg passed away just before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which holds significant meaning in Jewish culture. To elaborate further, Jewish UCF student Marissa Kopolo said, “Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. We eat apples and honey on this holiday to symbolize a sweet new year. Pre-COVID times, this holiday is spent the majority of the day at temple, and the rest of the holiday is spent with your family.”
Sadly, despite making such a difference for women in the legal justice system, Millennials and Gen Z don’t completely understand the Jewish history that contributed to creating a woman like Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Just two days before her death, the Conference of Jewish and Material Claims Against Germany surveyed people across all 50 states, and the results were surprising.
The statistics were startling: 25% of people believe the Holocaust is a myth or has been exaggerated. Moreover, 20% of Gen Z and Millennials in New York believe Jews caused the Holocaust, and 12% say they definitely have not heard of or thought that they have not heard of the Holocaust. Lastly, nearly two-thirds of individuals surveyed were unaware that six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, and almost half could not name a single concentration camp or ghetto.
Marissa is a UCF senior and Jewish student who was willing to talk to me more about Jewish culture and its significance. When asked about the statistics, she responded, “To hear that people do not believe in the Holocaust or haven’t heard of the Holocaust is extremely disheartening. My great grandfather was able to escape Austria while the Nazis were invading. I have other family members who weren’t as lucky and were taken to concentration camps and eventually murdered by the Nazis. I have had the opportunity to meet Holocaust survivors who have shared their horrific stories. Many of these survivors are passing away due to old age. I believe that it is my responsibility as a Jewish adult to spread awareness and teach people about the terrible events that took place by the Nazis.”
Marissa is at UCF studying psychology with a minor in early childhood development, with plans of obtaining a master’s in social work so that she can work in a group home facility in the future. Just like RBG, being Jewish has shaped Marissa’s aspirations in life. “My experience in my Jewish youth group has contributed to who I am today because it has shaped me into a passionate, hardworking leader and has given me the confidence to hold multiple positions on my sorority’s executive board.”
With everything that has gone on this past year, it might have been hard to notice the anti-Semitism that has been happening as of late. Anti-Semitism is defined as hostility to or prejudice against Jews. Hate towards the Jewish population can manifest as acts of vandalism, hate-filled rallies and ethnic stereotypes on college campuses, and often are tolerated throughout.
Marissa feels fortunate that she has never experienced anti-Semitism, and was actually attracted to UCF because Hillel helps her stay in touch with her Jewish roots. “When touring UCF, I had the opportunity to also tour UCF’s Hillel. I was able to ask questions about Jewish life at UCF and hear [about] the different activities and programs they offer. Coming from a very inclusive youth group, I definitely wanted to find a group of people here at UCF who had similar Jewish values and traditions. Throughout my four years at UCF, I have visited the Hillel for weekly Nosh and Shabbat. Nosh is held every Wednesday night, where the Hillel offers a free meal for Jewish students to come and hang out with their peers. Shabbat is the day of rest, which is every Friday night until Saturday night. The Hillel offers Shabbat services and also a Shabbat dinner. With COVID going on, I have had the opportunity to get Hillel’s To Go Shabbat Meals so I can still celebrate Shabbat in the comfort of my own home.”
It’s reassuring to know that UCF has done right by their Jewish students by providing them with such a wonderful way to stay connected with the culture that has contributed to their identity. They’re just like us, except they can make matzo ball soup, which is Marissa’s favorite Jewish tradition. “It’s something so simple but reminds me of my family and the Jewish holidays. I have made matzo ball soup for so many friends, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Making matzo ball soup is so much fun, and it’s so exciting being able to share my traditions with my friends in college who may or may not have experienced or tried it before.”
In light of the death of someone as significant as Ruth Bader Ginsberg, it’s important to illuminate the aspects of life that contributed to who she was. She fought for equality and did so with her position. With Marissa’s position as a fellow student at UCF, she wants all non-Jewish and anti-Semites to “…know that we are all just people who have different beliefs and cultures. Everyone should be treated and respected equally.”