I am not Jewish. I did not grow up breaking bread on Shabbat or hearing stories that have been passed down for generations during Passover. Though I did rock the dance floor at a few Bar and Bat Mitvahs in my prime years, as well as sing Hanukkah songs at my elementary school, I only had surface knowledge of Judaism and its traditions.

It wasn’t until I started dating Eddie, and begun spending time with the Aaronson family, that I started learning about Judaism on a deeper level. Then, when I joined Windthrow with Eddie and Stephanie, I got to dive even deeper into understanding the culture, values, and traditions rooted in the Faith. I can imagine that there are many perspectives of Judaism; I feel grateful and privileged to have been able to learn from even one these perspectives.

Here is what I have come to admire about the Jewish culture, mostly from the wonderful Aaronson family:

- Asking Questions: D Aaronson, Eddie and Stephanie’s mom, once told me she loved how much the Synagogue encouraged individuals and children to ask questions. Asking questions is an incredible gift and tool, and our team is committed to this value when we plan for the future, solve problems, challenge assumptions, and seek to understand.

- Rituals and Connection: Eddie has told me stories of his family’s rituals growing up, such as Shabbat together every Friday evening. Rituals are so powerful - they ground us, connect us, and root us to life’s meanings. I have joined in with the Aaronson family for Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, and Passover. I love that these holidays interweave meaning, stories, and conversation. The amount of reflection that stems from these practices, without the rigidity of having to think or believe one way, is truly beautiful.

- Hebrew Language: Though my knowledge of Hebrew is slim, I think it is so fascinating! I have always loved languages (I am an aspiring Spanish speaker), and I am proud to say I can recite half of the Motzi prayer! Hebrew text is also really beautiful - I love seeing promises written in Hebrew in Ketubot, the Motzi prayer on Challah Boards, and the shin (ש) on Mezuzot.

- Tukkun Olam: תיקון עולם‎, which translates to “repair of the world” is one of my favorite values. Windthrow is focused on embodying this value as we move forward and grow as a business, striving to not just have sustainable practices, but to help heal the earth and make this world better. Coming from the non-profit world, I am grateful that our company weaves in philanthropy in our big picture thinking.

- Inclusivity: The people I have encountered in the Jewish space have exemplified kindness. The Aaronson family welcomed me into their Jewish world, both personally and professionally. Inclusivity is the root of why I am apart of Windthrow, and feel included, even though I do not identify as Jewish. Our team carries this value forward, and we are honored to celebrate and serve all individuals varying in culture, race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

 “Thank you to the Aaronson family for letting me become a part of something so meaningful.”

- Becca Lapeyre