Common Misconception
Reader comment on item: The Future of Judaism

Submitted by Elliot (United States), Jan 25, 2005 at 17:05

Commenter Bill states:
"My question is this, ‘how do I respond to my friend who states that since I don't believe in the strict adherence of the 613 laws contained in the Jewish law I really can't consider me to be a Jew.' He happens to be orthodox "


This seems a very common although puzzling misconception, mostly among Reform Jews. (Only if someone is "Jewish" through a non-Orthodox conversion, would that person not be considered Jewish by Orthodox.)

In fact anyone born of a Jewish mother is considered Jewish, even if he dines on bacon and eggs every day, including Yom Kippur. I don't know from where they get this idea, what I've stated is really Halacha 101.

I agree with Daniel Pipes, that "living by the law may be essential for maintaining a Jewish identity over the long term". This is a glaring example of alienation caused by ignorance of the law.

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