Star Status: Wear your Jewish Jewelry on Campus
Havurah’s Digital Media Manager Kayla Mantell discusses Jewish pride on campus, and dressing the part.
What we wear on our bodies are powerful tools for self expression and identity. For Jewish students on campus, though, wearing something as simple as a Star of David or a Kippah has become equivalent to wearing a neon target; All eyes are on us –we are the specimen under the microscope of our peers, and a global media war. When Jewish boys are faced with the question in the morning, “Do I wear my tzitzit out on campus today?” Why should the opinions and feelings of misguided classmates be a deciding factor?
Illustration by Kayla Mantell
As a student of FIT (Fashion Institution of Technology), I am surrounded by passionate creatives eager to express themselves in what they wear. As a Torah-observant Jew, this is important to me as well: My wardrobe reflects my personal style while staying observant to my value of modesty. Both are integral parts of who I am, and I find it crucial to express this openly. In academic environments purportedly known for self growth and expression, it is extremely disheartening to find Jewish students pressured to suppress visible signs of their Jewish identities due to safety concerns.
Illustration by Kayla Mantell
The Kippah is historically known as a sign of respect towards G-d. The practice was originally instituted in Talmudaic times, as a reminder that G-d is always present. In the past few months there have been numerous anti-semetic incidents targeting visibly observant Jews. On college campuses there are 1,870 total reported anti-semitic incidents since October 7th. According to Hillel International, this is a 700% increase compared to last year. I've spoken to many Jewish students whose parents forbid them to wear their kippah to school. The mother of Avi, an incoming Freshman at Columbia, says, “College campuses have become a hostile environment for Jewish students. With increasing reports of antisemitic incidents, escalating protests, and online harassment, I would rather my child be safe.”
Within every Jew, there is an innate feeling that the world could turn on us at any second. Unfortunately, this concept has been ever-present throughout our history. The effects of this fear have become overwhelmingly clear on college campuses, impacting the mental and physical well being of Jewish students. Class is now overshadowed by rising tension and anxiety. Thoughts like: who in this room is a Jew hater? In college, there is one common goal among students: get an education. And in recent months, even this has been difficult for Jewish students.
In the 1930s and early 1940s, Jewish communities in Europe faced increasing discrimination and violence…and we all know how that ended. The pressure to hide our Jewish identity to avoid persecution is nothing new. From name changing to getting nose jobs, the identifying idiosyncrasy of American Jewry is, sadly, complete assimilation. As antisemitism grew in pre-war Europe, wearing visibly Jewish symbols became increasingly dangerous. How is it that less than a century later, Jewish students in America are experiencing a recurrence of this absurdity?
Illustration by Kayla Mantell
I spoke with David Lieber, a rising Sophomore at FIT. He told me, “I have so many friends who started their first day of college with a kippah on their head, and ended it with a kippah in their pocket. I switched to wearing my kippah all the time after a random girl approached me at orientation, shocked that there were other Jews at FIT.
“While wearing a kippah can attract unwanted attention, it also acts as a visible sign to other Jews that they’re not alone on campus.”
He continued, “I think fashion is a form of communication, so it’s comforting to see other Jews communicate their Jewish pride through what they wear.” I think he summed it up perfectly.
As the new school year begins, Jewish and Israeli students grapple with a whirlwind of emotions. There is an immense psychological impact of feeling forced to hide one's identity, including feelings of shame, fears and isolation. There is an internal conflict that arises when Jews feel the need to choose between safety and pride. This choice should never have to be made in the first place.
Illustration by Kayla Mantell
Despite the dirty looks and snide comments, I choose to accessorize my outfits with my layered necklaces. This includes a Magen David, and the map of Israel. Throughout history, the Magen David has been both a source of pride and, tragically, a mark used by our oppressors. The map of Israel that hangs around my neck is not just a geographical marker, but a symbol of my birthright, and my proud Jewish connection to the land. On my fingers, I wear my Hadaya rings, with Hebrew prayers of safety and protection. Wearing these symbols gives me courage. It’s a declaration that, despite the rising hostility, I refuse to hide or suppress my identity.
Jewish students, be proud of who you are this semester. Hang the Magen David around your neck with confidence. Wear your Kippah with your head held high. Own it. Doing so is not only an act of personal empowerment, but a stand against an ancient hatred. We are not pawns in a game of political chess, nor Jews with trembling knees.
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If you’re looking for some Jewish Jewelry to rock this semester, here are some of my favorite brands:
