by Ilana Girard Singer
I was angry as I left my first meeting of the Jewish Professional Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation. As a Jewish psychotherapist, I certainly was qualified to be a member. But when the leader started asking new members, “Which temple do you belong to?” I stepped away, offended, and didn’t answer. Her question ignited an old conflict inside me. Yes, I’m Jewish, but I don’t belong to a temple—nor do I want to. My upbringing was vastly different from the women in the room, but Jewish nonetheless. I left, wondering if they’d accept me.