Dear Readers, These columns began on my area of America Online, called:  Judaism Today:  Where Do I Fit?   People anonymously sent me E-Mail, and I began to choose one for a public response in my Jewish E-Mail of the Week column. The column has become quite popular and is now syndicated internationally in many Jewish papers and websites.  I hope you find they help you as you think about the Ethics, Spirituality and Peoplehood components of the Jewish way of Life.  I welcome your comments... see the end of the column. Gil PS  Teachers and others, feel free to copy my columns and forward them or use them as you see fit.  Please see the friendly copyright notice at the end.

Ashamed to be Jewish

Jews today are a fairly self-centered, evil lot. They do not take care of the misfortunate among them. They are devoid of any and all compassion. They judge others harshly, while not judging themselves at all. They give virtually nothing to poor. They are filled with hate, and worry only about themselves. They are filled with ego, arrogance and self-righteousness. Jews today are the biggest hypocrites on Earth. I am ashamed to be Jewish.

Dear F:

When I first received your letter, I thought I was being attacked by an anti-Semite--they would probably agree with your letter. Had an anti-Semite written, I think that would have been easier to take than finding at the end of your letter that you are Jewish. I have to wonder what you have experienced in your life that would make you write such a vicious letter about Jews.

Your letter is so full of generalizations that it is almost difficult to respond. I believe it is prejudiced and inaccurate to say (as you have) that all Jews are this or all Jews are that you. Nonetheless, I will try and respond.

In my life, I have hardly ever met a Jew whom I would call "evil"--though I have read about one or two. I have met a few Jews whom I would call non-compassionate, some others whom I would certainly call hypocrites and still others whom I would call racists. But, I would never say that all Jews are any of the above....nor would I generalize about other peoples that way!

Far more prevalent have been my experiences meeting and reading about many many Jews who are exactly the opposite of your descriptions. Jews who are incredibly compassionate, caring and generous with their time and money.

While I think many Jews (understandably) have developed a sense of looking out for themselves, they certainly have demonstrated concern for others as well. For example, Jews were at the forefront of protests against the mass murder of Muslims in Bosnia.

Look also at organization fighting for social action, civil rights, children and adult health care and the environment. In many of these organizations, you will find Jews disproportionately represented. Also look at philanthropic giving and you will also see that Jews have a record second to none.

Go beyond this, to contributions Jews have made for the betterment of humans (like for example, the near eradication of Polio on our planet thanks vaccines developed by Jewish doctors.) Or take a different measure: did you know that Jews are only 1/3 of a percent of the world's population, yet we have won 18% of the Nobel prizes ever awarded? To me this is an amazing accomplishment that speaks to some of the good Jews have brought to this world.

Don't get me wrong, there are times when a Jew does or says something that makes me ashamed that both of us are Jewish. I wish these Jews would change their ways...or disappear. Still this sentiment pales next to the pride I often feel as a result of seeing wonderful things done by fellow Jews. I hope you can get past whatever bad experiences you have had with Jews and come to see the good in so many Jews and in Judaism. Then rather than feeling ashamed, you can join me in saying: "I am proud to be Jewish."

Thanks for writing,

Gil

A FRIENDLY COPYRIGHT NOTICE © Copyright Gil Mann These columns can be found at www.beingjewish.org.  Not only do I give you permissions to copy these Jewish Email columns...I HOPE YOU WILL and that you share them with others!  All I ask is that you never charge anyone for them and that you also include this little copyright notice.  Thank You!

Thanks,
Gil