So I’m on this committee, well I’m on about 17 committees, but the one I’m going to talk about is in the process of planning an event for Jewish women. The Jewish Federation has a division called “Women’s Connection” whose purpose is to literally connect Jewish women through social, educational and spiritual programs. (A previous post of mine about the fashion show was put on by the same group.) This particular night we’re planning falls under the educational, and I suppose, social umbrella. And the topic for the evening: Jewish guilt.

After about 52 emails, several phone calls and one reschedule, we had our first committee meeting today. As we began discussing our topic, and all the aspects of guilt one could talk about, it seemed that two hours would hardly be enough time to say our hellos, introduce our speakers, show our kitschy video clips, facilitate our discussions, and eat our kosher desserts.

When it comes to guilt, there is a lot to talk about. Its history, how it hurts us, how it helps us, and how to let it go. Surely people who aren’t Jewish feel guilty too. Right? But do others analyze their guilt the ways that Jews supposedly do? Hopefully I’ll be able to speak/write more authoritatively on the topic after the event.

I know that I’m greatly affected by feelings of guilt. Guilt associated with working while raising two kids, guilt about the phone calls/emails/blogging or whatever else I’m doing in the evening when my husband gets home, and guilt related to taking time for myself when I have others who depend on me…I could go on and on and on. But is that because I’m Jewish? I don’t think so. Is there something special about Jewish guilt? Do we as Jews put this stereotype on ourselves or do others feel this way about us?

Your thoughts?

*My ironic footnote: This event, which I am co-chairing, happens to fall on the night of my daughter’s fourth birthday. And yes, I’m feeling guilty about that too.