Dressing to Impress

Growing up, I was always taught that I should consistently present myself in the best light possible. This always meant neat, matching clothing, primped hair, and clean socks. As I grew older, the stakes rose. Make-up, nails, and jewelry now fit into the equation. I may not have always listened, especially with regards to wearing lipstick, but I learned to value the importance of appearing professional and lady like depending on the event or location. It is rather empowering to know that I possess the control of knowing how to dress to impress or quite simply how to allow my personality and ideals to show through my modes of fashion. A product of a Conservative Jewish home, the laws of Tsniut or modesty were never impressed on me with regards to long skirts or high necked shirts, therefore I never felt that there was anything in my dress that could distinguish me as specifically Jewish. However, as I sorted through my immense collection of jewelry, I realized that it is through these adornments where my Jewish identity manifests itself. These tangible objects with their symbolism, design, and style have the power to point out my Jewish identity. Of course this also depends on who is looking... I wear jewelry to accessorize, give my outfits a polished look, and to express my personal style. However, my "Jewish jewelry" has always gone beyond ornamentation. Foremost, I have always considered any Jewish related jewelry as markers of my Jewish identity in the general sense, but since taking this course, I see that each piece of jewelry has more nuanced meaning in its symbolism and style. Both my experience and perspective personally imbues each stone and hammered surface with Jewish meaning and memory. Furthermore, it is not only I who project significance onto these markers, but also the observers of my jewelry, who can feel linked to me by the chain around my neck or conversely excluded due to my earring choice.