To celebrate the second week of International Week, NWN sat down with Hebrew Club board junior Jackie Yablon to talk about their religion and language.

NWN: What is your favorite thing about your religion?

Yablon: Probably the fact that it’s like other religions, but at the same time, it’s very unique. Not everyone can say that they’re Jewish. It’s a different aspect in life.

NWN: What is your least favorite thing about the religion?

Yablon: The fact that I don’t have a lot of it in my life is a disappointment. I don’t keep kosher or go to temple. The last time I did serious practice was around seventh grade. I actually don’t know Hebrew. I’ve learned the basics, like the alphabet, and when I went to Hebrew school, it was more history based.

NWN: How do you celebrate your religion?

Yablon: My family and I get together for the regular holidays, like Hanukkah, but I was raised in a reform household, so we don’t really use or follow religion on a day-to-day basis.

NWN: What is a common misconception about your religion?

Yablon: They say that Jewish people have a lot of money, big noses, and that being Jewish means being Orthodox. Personally, I don’t have a lot of money and I’m not very religious either.

NWN:  What is your favorite meal?

Yablon: I love gelfilte fish and matzah ball soup. The fish is mushed and marinated, and the soup is basically chicken noodle soup with a matzah ball.