Holy SHIT! Who died and made you G-d? Now you’re the arbiter of who gets to call themselves a Jew and who doesn’t? Where the hell did you come from? Planet Moron? Go away, you’re pissing me off.
E. Israelis. Most Israeli Jews consider religious faith to be a secondary aspect of being a Jew. After all, your talking about a country - one designed to be a Jewish State - which was founded by self declared agnostics and atheists (such as David Ben-Gurion). I think that’s the greatest cause of division between the U.S. and Israeli Jewish communities.
We don’t think of ourselves as a race, exactly, but rather as an extended family, a clan or, well… a tribe. Your sister-in-law didn’t just change her beliefs, she joined a group. Became an acquisition. Pulled a Kevin Costner.
As it were.
I think Lemur had it right (as usual) when he wrote:
The Jewish People has been around for a very long time. Over 3000 yearsm in fact.
People thought differently back then.
Of course, that’s just my point of view. As an American, you may see thigs differently.
Nope. It would be impossible to “remain” more ignorant. I could remain ignorant but more ignorant would have to imply time travel through which I would neglect to learn something I already know. Upon returning to the present I would be more ignorant. Other than that, no.
From the Encyclopedia (Encarta):
Jewish Identity Today:
What constitutes Jewish identity came into question during the 19th and 20th centuries. Some Jews today, especially in Israel, reject the Jewish religion but insist that they belong to a distinct ethnic or national community. Other Jews, especially in the West, reject the ethnic component of Jewish identity while claiming they follow a distinct religion. Still others in the West define themselves as cultural Jews, meaning that they lack a religious affiliation and feel part of some other ethnic group, but they believe there is a distinctive Jewish culture in which they participate. And in all parts of the world there are Jews who insist that Jews are both an ethnic and a religious group. Finally, there are those who insist that Jewish religious law defines Jewish identity. In this view, anyone born to a Jewish mother, or anyone who has properly converted to the Jewish faith, is a full-fledged member of the Jewish people and religion. Thus, today there is no consensus on the definition of a Jew.
Poor thing. You don’t like my point of view so you just wish it would go away. Why don’t those that don’t practice the religion call themselves what they really are (if their country of birth isn’t enough) Semitic.
Don’t patronize me you fucking asswipe. It’s not your opinion that bothers me, it’s your rude, condescending, omnipotent attitude. YOU do not get to decide who is or is not a Jew. Get it, cuck-for-brains? That’s not a matter of opinion, that’s a matter of fact. If you intend to last very long at The Straight Dope, you’d better learn the difference - and pronto!
No I don’t get it. The quote says if your mom is Jewish then you are a full fledged member of the religion. In this case it was stated that she was agnostic. That is ambiguos at best.
Answer this; Why aren’t there a bunch of damn Zulus running around the streets of the US? Because any desendants of the Zulus in America are now Americans not fucking Zulus. Why don’t we all trace our heritage and claim it as our race/tribe/religion. Before long there wouldn’t be any Americans or Canadians left. Get some help with your identity crisis. You’ll feel better.
Laurangemama = A Jew marries
Laurangepapa = A Jew, and they have the lovely
Laurange = an Agnostic
According to Jewish law, if your mama’s a Jew, you’re a Jew. Simple rule. As we can see in the handy chart, Laurangemama = A Jew. Therefore, Laurange = A Jew.
Ok, you following me so far?
Laurange also, we learned in this thread, and, we can see from consulting the chart, is an agnostic. This is her personal belief, and doesn’t have much to do, under Jewish law, as to whether or not she’s Jewish.
We also know Laurange is Canadian. This also has no bearing on her Jewishness, because there’s nothing in Judaism that prevents Jews from being citizens or subjects of anywhere.
I hope this clears up the confusion that you seem to be in. If you have any more questions, please ask. I would note that this question, “Who is a Jew” is really highly debated right now, and there have been some heated discussions about what it means to be “Jewish”, and by making fairly broad statements when you’re possibly not familiar with the issue, people are going to get annoyed.