We Jews have long been a people distinct, separate, special, different from the peoples around us. In part it is we are Chosen. In part we have asserted our separatness and in part we have been made separate - excluded, hated, oppressed, even preserved! And our own choices to be separate have fostered our preservation.
What then about our In-House separation? The In-House separation of which I speak is Matrilineal Descent, the idea that to be born Jewish a person must be born to a Jewish woman. A Jew needs to have a Jewish mother.... and if converted to be a daughter of Sarah and Abraham - our first matriarch and patriarch. This doctrine separates Reform Jews from Orthodox Jews and also from Conservative Jews. In a world full of divisions this concept is divisive and its primary merit is Custom. I think it is hard to find Torah or Talmud support for this but it IS INGRAINED.... while flaunting the question of "what are the people doing?" What is happening on the street/in the market place?
If we ended our In-House separation might we thrive, expand, grow!? How? Is our In-House separation shackling ourselves, demeaning ourselves, reducing/shrinking ourselves? What purposes is it serving and what purposes is it preventing? AND how can change happen in this currently well/clearly divided world?
Into this discussion has to come the subject of conversion and the Jewish soul. I wonder if consideration has been given to the adult or even yourg children of women who have converted in their adulthood? Is there a retroactive granting of Jewishness to their children? IF it is a matter of a Jewish soul -- than I would think - yes? If it is personal and not genetic or soul-based - then - no. BUT I am not sure of either answer!
It is a wonderful thing, the non-Jewish prophet Baalam said to be a people apart. Being chosen, being special - seems good and that designation is/can be/should be applicable to a diverse people we call Jews. We ARE diverse. European, Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and others. Lets unite - that is best! IMHO!
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