In the near future I plan to move farther west with my husband to a small community. My husband will be a Rabbi, which is a 24-hour-a-day job. I have always wanted to be home when my children get back from school, much like what my own mother did for me.
A lot of my time will be devoted to the community we live in, as I will be walking into a position of a community leader. I'm looking forward to shaping religious life and education and truly serving something larger than myself.
I also plan on pursuing my passions. I have always been drawn to the arts, to design, and to fashion. As an observant Jewish woman, I keenly feel the difficulties and occasional embarrassment that come with covering ones hair daily - most days I want give up and throw on a baseball cap, but I realize that if I don't make the effort to look good for myself, I'll get discouraged.
This issue is definitely one that is reflected in every observant Jewish community I have encountered. Women shop wherever they can for hats, but it's hard to find head-coverings that are both comfortable enough to wear all day and still look good.
Upon completing my BA, I am looking forward to pursuing a Masters in millinery, with work in jewelry and accessories design as well. I hope to create a studio in my home, enabling me to work on my own schedule, be home for my children when they need me, and to express myself through a medium that affects my daily life.
I see myself designing and making hats, both regular and custom-ordered, on a small scale for the rest of my life. Along the way I would like to start designing and sewing my own clothing as well, although that's less of a passion.
Design is an outlet, not only for my creativity, but also as a way of encouraging and supporting religious growth in the community. I hear from women who have grown frustrated with the complex modesty rules and regulations, and would like to be part of bringing out some of the innate beauty that is part of the modest life.
I look forward to inspiring myself and others to a religious life, recognizing that there is no need to give up oneself and sense of style to do so.