To offer a very simple analogy, we often learn things about our own identity through trials--or trial and error. This scarf is my very first attempt to knit with the basic stitches of lace-making. It has taught me something about my identity as a knitter. I still love knitting even when the process gets more difficult. To make very simplistic connection, God has used various trials with His people over the centuries to create and deepen their identity. Beginning in 70 AD when Nero conquered Israel, the Jewish people were scattered to the four winds. This scattering is termed the Diaspora. For 1800 years the Jews were able to hold onto their culture even though they did not possess a homeland. God chose to preserve the Jewish people's identity through their oral tradition, written tradition and the rituals designed to express and celebrate these traditions.

There have been thousands of communities spread throughout the world preserving the Jewish traditions for all of our recorded history. Here is one brief description by Chaim Potok depicting the life of a Jew in the 1300s.

Some of the German cities built walls around their Jewish quarters. Many of the ghettos were in large cities and had wide streets. Often ghettos were narrow and sunless sections of ancient towns...It was not a gloomy world. There were joyous weddings and parties. The Jews took special delight in Sabbath strolls. On festivals they would walk to a nearby river; the children would watch the fish and the play of sunlight on the water, the men would chat or discuss serious matters of Torah, the women would laugh among themselves and gossip...They cared for the poor and the sick and the dying with an elaborate array of voluntary organizations and charity funds. They collected funds for the Holy Land. It was an autonomous community with its own courts and communal leaders.

The Jewish people retained a vibrant community life even in the midst of very harsh struggles. Sometimes I think that when things get difficult, my life is ending, but history tells quite a different story. Many of the most beautiful works of art are born in the midst of bitter sorrow and oppression. I encourage you no matter what your life circumstances are today to give your heart some simple avenue of expression. Listen to some good music, have a small dinner at your home to celebrate a small occasion, get out those crayola markers and go to town. Join in the tradition of God's people to thrive in opposition and find joy in hardships. Enjoy your life.