Questions for non-practicing / non-religious Jews

[Martha_Medea]

First, how important is your Jewish heritage to you?
It’s something I don’t wear on my sleeve but would not overtly deny either. I’ve sometimes felt ‘in the closet’ where my Jewishness was concerned, especially with anti-semitic former colleagues and some acquaintances.
I’ll save myself some more typing and say what FinnAgain said:

@FinnAgain

I also recognize that at history’s darkest moments, whether someone self-identifies as Jewish is less important than if those in power define you as a Jew, so in a certain sense it’s a minor burden that it at least pays to be aware of.

On the positive side, I’m proud of the intellectual tradition, the commitment to social justice, contributions to culture, science and medicine, and more.

**What, if any, distinctly Jewish activities/holidays/groups do you participate in? **
Hardly any. I live in a country where there are very few Jewish people and have attended just one cultural activity at the local synagogue and went to a Passover Seder hosted by some Israeli friends two or three years ago, but I have lit Hannuka candles with my son for several years. I rationalise that as a token gesture to my (and his) heritage, to counterbalance or complement the mainstream Christian culture he is immersed in.

Would you ask a rabbi for advice?
Highly unlikely that I would ask any religious leader for advice in their function as a religious leader.

Would you date/marry a gentile?
I’ve dated members of all major religions (all non-practicing) and ended up marrying a non-practicing Catholic.

Have you been to Israel?
My family moved there in 1971 (when I was 7) and left 8 years later, so I spent some formative years there. Have visited about 4 times since. Last time was 10 years ago, and I might be going next summer.

[Yumblie]

@Rigamarole

First, how important is your Jewish heritage to you?

I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s important, but I do find it fascinating. It’s not a huge part of who I am, but I recognize that it’s part of my past. I do keep in mind that antisemitism targets those of jewish descent whether you’re religious or not. Also, a la Seinfeld, it’s nice to have a free pass to make jewish jokes.

What, if any, distinctly Jewish activities/holidays/groups do you participate in? (I guess if you’re very strict about your non-practice this wouldn’t apply, but as a “non-practicing Catholic” I can say I was baptized, and dragged to church twice a year for Christmas and Easter as a kid. I just don’t do it anymore)

I’ll go to jewish-themed activities if they look interesting, but I don’t make any effort to seek out such things. I don’t observe any of the holiday rituals on my own, but if I’m with my family sometimes I will.

Would you ask a rabbi for advice?

Since I don’t care about religion, I can’t imagine what I’d ask a rabbi that I wouldn’t be able to ask someone else.

Would you date/marry a gentile?

Sure, why not.

Have you been to Israel?

I went there as part of a birthright tour last spring. I had a great time and I wouldn’t mind visiting again at some point in my life.