Adam Roitstein

Adam Roitstein

“Every year in November, we have family and friends over to our house for Thanksgiving. We also, at this time, exchange names for our gift exchange. Seeing the change in the climate, the change in daylight, and seeing the lights on houses gets me into the holiday spirit. I also enjoy how friendly everyone is around this time, regardless of religion. I do not incorporate religion into my everyday life and I don’t celebrate Christmas. But I do have a favorite Hanukkah. It was 2008 or 2009 and my parents got my brother and me five-lb chocolate bars. We got other presents too but that was just really special, especially as children, that we got so much chocolate. We don’t have extended family in Green Bay, so we are really close to our immediate family, and that is really special to me. My religion means a lot to me. I am Jewish and I use it to guide my decisions. I believe it makes me not only a good person but the person I am today. Judaism is unique because you are taught to live a good life, not for reward, but just to be a good person. That has really resonated with me. To me, Christmas used to just mean presents but now I view it as a time to see everyone who isn’t at home everyday. Also, instead of looking forward presents, I look forward to seeing my siblings who live outside of the house. I believe it is important to celebrate my religion during the holiday season because it has a certain vibe to it. You can’t get that feeling outside of that season.”