Mazel tov.
I remember learning the meaning of this phrase (Hebrew and Yiddish for good luck) while I was in college, around the same time my roommate learned the significance of the "AUM" pendant I wore around my neck. I was fortunate to live with some amazing women, and during my last year, our house included two Protestants, one Jew, and one Hindu. Fortunately we were all friends and could move beyond basic issues of tolerance and learn more about each other's cultures and faiths. Here are some of the best lessons I learned during that year:

Ask questions! No one enjoys questions that are raised to be difficult, but sincere questions are one of my favorite ways to learn. After we had all become comfortable with each other, we asked all sorts of things: why do Jews fast during Passover, what are the roles of Goddesses in Hinduism, why are Christians baptized. This helped to break the ice among us and, in my case, helped me to think more deeply about my own beliefs, too.

Look for the similarities. One of my housemates and I were in the same literature class, and our class was reading a poem ending with the Sanskrit words "Shantih, shantih, shantih". I was trying to explain the true meaning of "Shanti" when she helped me finish my sentence with a direct quote from the Bible: "It's the 'Peace that passeth all understanding.' " It was wonderful that two sources could be used to explain one unifying concept.

Respect yourself…I became better at self-respect in college, but began to learn it when I was younger. Growing up on various military installations, my sister, brothers and I realized that we were probably some of the only Indians and Hindus that many people would come to know personally. Our parents taught us about our culture, and that if you don't respect yourself (i.e. your culture, religion, and beliefs), no one else will feel the need to respect you. For example, if my name sounded unusual to people, I would explain the meaning and help them until they could pronounce it. Once or twice people asked if I had a nickname they could use, but they stopped once they realized I placed value on the heritage and meaning of my given name. Thinking about ideas like this helped me to really understand my roots so that I could better represent my values and background.

…but don't take yourself too seriously. Out of the four of us in my college apartment, one was vegetarian, one was almost vegan for ecological reasons, one didn't eat red meat, and another ate all of the above. Sometimes we'd be eating dinner when my non-vegetarian roommate got home and she would tease us that "It must be veggie burger night," since we all ate those as part of our normal meals. The fact that we were able to joke with each other about these things made the atmosphere more relaxed and comfortable for everyone, especially when we wanted to express our beliefs or thoughts. And this was possible because of the most important thing…

LOVE. Underneath our different sacred texts and holy prayers, we all had a sisterly love for one another that made tolerance possible. The idea that inside we are the same, added so much to our house. We all attended a baptism, we all tried kosher food, and we all attended and participated in Indian cultural activities. We supported each other and learned from each other.

Having the opportunity to interact with and learn from my housemates was very special and important - I learned at least as much about myself as I did about each of them. I began to truly understand the power and love that is possible when we look for the common ground we share with our sisters and brothers. Stepping out of our ignorance can show us that we all celebrate the same feelings and joys, only in different words. And even now, when the first responses I get when I send out Diwali cards are from my housemates, wishing me a "Shubh Diwali" (Happy Diwali) and "Saal Mubaarak" (Good wishes for an auspicious New Year), that thought still makes me smile.