For many decades, American Jews were afraid of making their non-Jewish neighbors uncomfortable or doing something that would cast Jews in a negative light. Many of us have been told not to do something shameful (a shandah) when out with our friends. The well-meaning adults weren't necessarily talking about something shameful to our families (that was implied), rather they were talking about something that would reflect poorly on the Jews. As post-WWII American Jews rushed to assimilate and make nice with their neighbors, many began to take religion less seriously than their grandparents. Granted, the High Holidays, Passover, and Hanukkah were observed, but the daily observances and Shabbat seemed to get left behind. Because these Jews were willing to ignore certain parts of Judaism: they would eat non-kosher food. work on Shabbat and holidays, they made it difficult for those who were observant to get time off for major holidays or to say they couldn't work because it was Shabbat. American Jews were so worried about their non-Jewish friends that they didn't realize they were making things difficult for their more observant Jewish friends.
When I was in grad school, before rabbinical school, I worked as an editor for a software company. My immediate supervisor was Jewish. When the holidays came around and I asked for time off (I would make up all the time by working Sundays), the president of the company would question whether I really needed the time off. "Chris is Jewish and doesn't need this time off," I would hear. It became such a trial that I had to ask my rabbi for a letter explaining why I needed the time off. Even then the president, along with Chris, would still openly question my request, remarking that they knew Jews who didn't need time off.
All in all, being a good Jew has nothing to do with what other people think or feel. Do your best. Treat others with kindness. Walk humbly, i.e. keep your piety to yourself, with G!d. The rest is basically commentary.
Chag Pesach sameach, Happy Easter to my beautiful Sarah and her family! I was not exposed to any Jewish culture growing up. I'm grateful that I was never taught to be anti-Semitic. I feel a kinship because we worship the same G**. Bless you Sarah! I hope that your journey is all that you need it to be. ❤️
For many decades, American Jews were afraid of making their non-Jewish neighbors uncomfortable or doing something that would cast Jews in a negative light. Many of us have been told not to do something shameful (a shandah) when out with our friends. The well-meaning adults weren't necessarily talking about something shameful to our families (that was implied), rather they were talking about something that would reflect poorly on the Jews. As post-WWII American Jews rushed to assimilate and make nice with their neighbors, many began to take religion less seriously than their grandparents. Granted, the High Holidays, Passover, and Hanukkah were observed, but the daily observances and Shabbat seemed to get left behind. Because these Jews were willing to ignore certain parts of Judaism: they would eat non-kosher food. work on Shabbat and holidays, they made it difficult for those who were observant to get time off for major holidays or to say they couldn't work because it was Shabbat. American Jews were so worried about their non-Jewish friends that they didn't realize they were making things difficult for their more observant Jewish friends.
When I was in grad school, before rabbinical school, I worked as an editor for a software company. My immediate supervisor was Jewish. When the holidays came around and I asked for time off (I would make up all the time by working Sundays), the president of the company would question whether I really needed the time off. "Chris is Jewish and doesn't need this time off," I would hear. It became such a trial that I had to ask my rabbi for a letter explaining why I needed the time off. Even then the president, along with Chris, would still openly question my request, remarking that they knew Jews who didn't need time off.
All in all, being a good Jew has nothing to do with what other people think or feel. Do your best. Treat others with kindness. Walk humbly, i.e. keep your piety to yourself, with G!d. The rest is basically commentary.
Chag Pesach sameach, Happy Easter to my beautiful Sarah and her family! I was not exposed to any Jewish culture growing up. I'm grateful that I was never taught to be anti-Semitic. I feel a kinship because we worship the same G**. Bless you Sarah! I hope that your journey is all that you need it to be. ❤️
I think of you as a Good Jew. I try to think that way of all Jews.