In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, we are spotlighting Piper Teig (Ohio State) on her Jewish heritage! "Being Jewish has always been a part of me for as long as I remember. I have memory’s growing up lighting candles every week with my mom and baking her famous challah bread. When we were struggling friends and members of the congregation would come spend time with my mom and I, say prayers and and cook delicious meals , and through this I learned the true power of support and community. I also learned the power of faith, not just in the religion but in the people who helped connect me too it. As both a female and Jewish student in college I value my education so much because I remember hearing story’s growing up how at one point in time there were members of my community that in some places could not receive the education I have. The Jewish religion, its ideals, culture, and the community it brought me helped shape me into who I am today. Being Jewish is more than just something I identify as, it is genuinely a part of me that I feel strongly makes who I am. One of my favorite aspects of Judaism is the food and the culture of sharing food with our community. I love baking for my sisters or bringing them matzah ball soup and kugel when they aren’t feeling good, something I picked up from the ladies at my synagogue growing up. If you want to learn, sitting down for a meal in a kosher cafe or going to a Shabbat potluck is an amazing way to start. Judaism has such a rich culture all around the world and the religion is comprised of every kind of person possible. It brings people together in a beautiful and exciting way, whether you practice the religion or not there will always be a place for you at the Shabbat table." If you or someone you know would like to be featured on our social media, share your heritage story here: GammaPhiBeta.org/Heritage-Months (fb)