Molly Braun | New England

Originally hailing from Silver Spring, MD, Molly is a long-time member of the Ramah New England community, attending for 11 years (1999-2009). After her camper years, she spent her summers in developing countries and microbiology laboratories, developing her interest in infectious diseases. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Microbiology from Boston University, in addition to participating in Reshet Ramah events and playing club field hockey.

Same taste, same feeling, but for the first time.

I hit the fasting lull around 1 p.m. Hunger pains started to take over, so I walked home and laid down to nap. Before I knew it, Yom Kippur was coming to an end and I was fantasizing with friends about break-fast. At 6:45, familiar Ramah faces came through the door to nosh on bagels, lox, challah, and matzo ball soup – what a way to break the fast (not to mention nachamu playing in the background… because it wouldn’t be a Ramah event without some awkward singing).

Since I left home for college nine years ago, my Yom Kippur rhythm has been sporadic. One year in a new synagogue, one year at Hillel, one year flying back home. However, that feeling when you bite into the first bagel after the fast (or chocolate chip cookie…or three), always feels the same – as if my reflections from the day and thoughts of repentance are redeemed as the taste hits my tongue. This year, that first bite had the same familiar feelings of beginning the new year, but it happened in the company of people who all share the same background, same Jewish experience, and same life changes leaving college. Breaking the fast with Ramahniks felt like the high holiday routine I had before leaving for college; something reminiscent and familiar but in a new setting. Here’s to many more high holiday traditions with Ramah alumni in the years to come!