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From: fsks@unc.UUCP (Frank Silbermann)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: Nationality and Racism
Message-ID: <1083@unc.unc.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 5-Mar-86 10:08:21 EST
Article-I.D.: unc.1083
Posted: Wed Mar  5 10:08:21 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 6-Mar-86 19:23:37 EST
References: <1467@decwrl.DEC.COM>
Reply-To: fsks@unc.UUCP (Frank Silbermann)
Organization: CS Dept, U. of N. Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lines: 26
Summary: 


Leo Simon:
>A definition of a Jew is rather simple.  A Jew is a person who 
>practices Judaism OR was born by a Jewish mother.
>I believe this definition is used in Israel.  The state of Israel
>was created to protect Jews, whether religious or not.  

This is the rabbinic definition of "who is a Jew" -- the RELIGIOUS
definition of Jewishness.  It describes the people whom religious Jews
consider Jewish.

But, if you reject Jewish religion, then why accept the rabbinic
pronouncement that you are a Jew?  Others might consider you Jewish,
but why should you give yourself that label?

Relying on this definition, a religious Jewish state would provide
sanctuary even to non-religious Jews.  But some postings have declared
that Israeli law should be completely independent of Jewish law.
Were this the case, in what sense would it be a "Jewish state"?
Certainly a state cannot be "born of a Jewish mother."

Why do you think it important that Israel be ruled by Jews,
if you don't want Judaism to have a part in it?  Is it simply
a desire to have your own friends in power, for a change?

	Frank Silbermann