Judaism and the Twice-Born

I did not grow up in a religious family, but now, upon waking each morning, I whisper a little prayer called the Modeh Ani, in which I thank G-d for returning my soul to me after sleep. When I eat breakfast, I say a blessing over the food, a different one depending on what I’m having that morning, whether it’s made from grain or milk, and I make sure to wash out a bowl used for yogurt with the appropriate dairy sponge. Throughout my day, I declare at least three times that G-d is G-d, that He is One being, and that I love Him. On Friday evenings, I light the ceremonial Sabbath candles and try, despite my anxieties, to rest, to think, and to ignore what I’m sure are the thousands of urgent text messages I am receiving at that very moment.