I always said I’d never move back to the predominantly Jewish suburb where I grew up. It seemed boring and uncool, and I’d spent my entire adult life so far living in hip neighborhoods in the city like I’d always dreamed of as an angsty teen. The idea of raising my kids in the same suburban community I’d once found so uninspiring wasn’t particularly appealing.
When we finally bought a house in that very neighborhood, it was out of convenience, not conviction — to have my parents nearby and the space we desired but couldn’t afford if we stayed downtown.
But now, four years later, in a post-October 7 world, I couldn’t be more grateful that we live where we do.
Stephanie Gilman 