In first person…Girl gives impromptu Judaism lesson to fellow tourists on a Yosemite tram

Along the way, the guide was informing us about the bears. He told us the bears' favorite meal was apples and honey. With a look of amazement and excitement, Sofi immediately turned to me and exclaimed, "Mommy, those bears are going to have a sweet year!"

As if that wasn't funny enough, she then proceeded to turn to the people behind us. Uninhibited, Sofi asked, "Are you Christian?" A bit surprised by the question, they responded with British accents, "Why, yes we are."

Sofi said, "We're Jewish." She then gave the group a complete description of Rosh Hashanah and why the bears were going to have such a sweet year.

I love that Sofi is so identified with her Judaism. I especially cherish the fact that she is not ashamed of her identity. I love her for that and for her constant inquisitiveness. Everybody should feel so comfortable with who they are and so free to share it with others. Nancy Pechner lives in San Rafael.