Purim: How Jewish Are You?

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Purim: How Jewish Are You?

A deeper look at how we relate to our Jewish identity.

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Topics:	Purim

By Lazer Gurkow

Rabbi Lazer Gurkow is spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tefilah in London, Ontario, and a frequent contributor to The Judaism Website—Chabad.org. He has lectured extensively on a variety of Jewish topics, and his articles have appeared in many print and online publications. For more on Rabbi Gurkow and his writings, visit InnerStream.ca.

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2 Comments

luis guadalajara, mexico March 15, 2011

thanks rabbi always a good way to explain. may G-d bless you always Reply

Mr. Robert Burdman March 13, 2011

Jewish Identity Shalom Rebbe Gurkow:
I always enjoy your very clear and interesting elucidations. I do have a comment on this particular one: The problem that your friend had was not one of being a Jew or not. His dilemma was being uncomfortable to be identified as a Jew willing to break the dietary laws for his own self-satisfaction. He was willingly commiting a sin and G-d was the Witness.
I don't know if anyone who mattered would have seen him transgress, I hope no other Jews were dining at that establishment!
I don't know how old was his boy but he obviously knew that something was amiss because of his father's behavior. He may or may have not known of the sin yet to be commited, it is not clear in the story, but to me his concern was not being a Jew but disobeying his teacher's admonition about removing his kipa. The mother obviously knew and was sinning in the same way her husband was.
Anyhow, that's my two cents. May G-d bless you and your family. I wish you a very happy Purim celebration. Reply