LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29 (JTA) How do Jews actually practice their religion, in contrast to what rabbis tell them they ought to do?
In researching for his book, “Being Jewish: The Spiritual and Cultural Practice of Judaism Today,” Columbia University Journalism Professor Ari Goldman came across some real pearls, he recently told a UCLA audience.
For example, on Shabbat observance: “I don’t floss my teeth on Shabbat.”
“I don’t eat shellfish on Shabbat.”
“I drive, but not on freeways.”
Some other quirky observations:
“I keep kosher, but only within 50 miles of my home.”
“I keep three sets of dishes for meat, dairy and Chinese food.”
Said Goldman, “I love these responses. They say so much about American Jews, who try to find their own comfort level in their practice of Judaism.”
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