Exploring My Jewish Identity

I may not look like your typical Jew, and many have said I don't look Jewish at all. I speak Hebrew, went to religious/orthodox Jewish schools my whole life, and celebrate all the holidays with my family. So, why do I get these comments? Well, there's a very simple answer with a very long and painful story: I was adopted from China. 

Even though I was converted to Judaism as a baby and raised in a Jewish environment, I never felt like I belonged. I was teased and doubted about my Jewish Identity my whole life, and due to this, I rejected my religion. However, as I grew up and learned from my pain and experiences, I began to accept my religion and eventually take pride in it. To honor that I created two meaningful pieces and I plan on creating more as I continue to grow and learn.