Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

 There are only a few places where I feel completely accepted these are camp, my dance workshops both here and in California and most recently my trip to Israel.  Why am I telling you this?  The other day I was at a party and about to judge someone because they were petting me like a dog and talking to me in classic baby talk.  I almost said something but then I thought I get judged all of the time and is it really worth it?  Then I was sitting at Yom Kippur service a few days later and having a good time, when all of the sudden our older rabbi walked up to the pulpit.  I was thinking o no why am I here.  I wish I was back at my apartment because when he speaks he goes on forever.  But then I thought come on Jess give him a chance.  It’s the New Year!    Everyone knows the saying don't judge a book by its cover. Do you like to be judged?  So I did what my conscious told me and gave him another chance.  As it turned out it was pretty good.  Now I am not saying that I will never judge a person again or by telling you these stories I will never get judged again because I know that unfortunately when you have a disability it comes with the territory.  But I think that becoming conciously aware of when you are about to judge someone can only help you. 

So in honor of Yom Kippur or the Jewish judgment day, just ask yourself would I want to be treated that way and do I want to feel completely accepted where ever I go and what ever I do?  That’s what I want don’t you?