Growing up amidst the charming quirks of Southern life and the hallowed traditions of Judaism, my Virginia roots are as entwined with the scent of mama's morning grits as they are with the spiritual cadence of the Shema prayer. Pour yourself a bourbon-spiked coffee and join us on a nostalgic trip back to a Hebrew school where allegiance was pledged to both the Star of David and the Stars and Stripes. We look at how these morning rituals—grounded in regional culture or religious devotion—reflect a universal dedication to a higher purpose that transcends the Mason-Dixon Line.This episode is a tapestry woven with the threads of Southern Jewish identity, where I recount the meaningful act of pledging allegiance to faith alongside the country. We don't pay homage to the Shema as a daily declaration but delve into its powerful lineage—a reenactment of the moment when Jacob's sons sealed their commitment to God. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we explore how this tradition resonates deeply within our lives, reminding us that, no matter where we're from, our days begin with affirming our values and a promise to serve something greater than ourselves. So, grab your seat at the table—Yankees and Southerners alike—and let's raise our cups to a day started with purpose and a pledge.Support the showJoin the WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content! JOIN HERE ---------------- SUBSCRIBE to The Weekly Parsha for an insightful weekly shiur on the Parsha of the week. Listen on Spotify or the new Jewish music and Podcast streaming platform 24six! Access all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our new website, themotivationcongregation.org ---------------- Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com