Swimming: An Ethical Endeavor David Schlifka

I have shared victories that have come from striving toward a common goal with other swimmers: Lauren, Brittany, Lizzie, Kelley. Those ten-year-old girls would cheer with spunky screams when participants of our neighborhood swim team would out-touch the opposition in a race. More recently, I am grateful for the inspiration my teammate Alysha has provided me behind the blocks every August at the JCC Maccabi Games. Now warmth fills my coach's soul, as I see the love of swimming I have helped to enrich in little Caroline's blue eyes.

I also recognize the concept of my soul when I apply my Jewish heritage to my views and actions. This enables me to make more ethical decisions involving myself and others. I pursued my passion for Judaism during my sophomore year by attending a weekly Confirmation class with other tenth graders. Presiding over my class, the tall and broad Rabbi Friedman would pace the room, hands in pockets, proudly responding to every question. One evening, the discussion involved Judaic law regarding the separation between men and women. The rabbi declared his strong conviction that males and females should remain at relative distance from each other prior to marriage, and should cover their bodies while in...