A BOX OF MATZOH, POTATO PANCAKES, AND A BRISKET
When introducing myself to a certain lady at a Jewish
singles website, I mentioned my writing about Judaism. She responded
with the following:
My Judaism consists of opening a box of matzoh
at Passover, making potato pancakes for Hanukkah and a brisket for Rosh
Hashana. I am not interested in being any more Jewish than that. Sorry.
This describes pretty well
the sad state of Judaism in the United States and worldwide. Her
attitude is shared by millions. What do they think being “more Jewish”
would mean? Unreasonable expectations? Outdated concepts? A lot of
ritual? Will all of these people be staying Jewish only in the most
superficial ways? Will they and their children be lost to us completely?
I hope they will consider my approach. Maybe they
could again become interested in, and even proud of, the Judaism I will
gradually describe. I hope all Jews will find Back-to-Basics satisfying
as an ethically oriented, intellectually stimulating, and ritually
simplified life.
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