“You shall be Mine — a treasure among all the nations, though all the earth is Mine ” Exodus 19:5
What is the best thing about being Jewish? Bagels and smoked salmon? Anybody can eat them! A sense of a connection with all Jews everywhere? Not all Jews feel that! A love of Israel? Ditto! A love of Jewish culture? Again, ditto.
Speaking personally, I love bagels; not so keen on smoked salmon. But I love Chinese food too (kosher, obviously!). I feel connected with Jews around the world, but I am ashamed to be associated with some of them. I love Israel, but I love Britain also. I love Jewish culture, but also love exploring the cultures of other peoples and faiths.
And I confess to not understanding those who would be “cultural Jews” but who exclude Jewish religion from their purview. Until the late 19th century, Jewish culture was almost exclusively religious.
