Jewish Identity

* Marjorie Miller’s “To Be a Jew” (Saturday Journal, Jan. 23) described movingly and honestly the path that many of us have taken in discovering our cultural and historical identities as (upper case) Secular Jews. Miller made it very clear that she hadn’t adopted “her faith” during her tenure in Israel but her ethnic connections to the Jews as a people.

A similar experience, although in Los Angeles rather than Jerusalem, has led some 100 families--many of them, like Miller’s, intercultural--to the Sholem Community, where we and our children explore objectively the history of our people and find meaningful inspiration in its folklore, literature, humor, music, dance, theater and, of course, food.

We also share Miller’s concerns that the history of anti-Jewish oppression leads too many, both here and in Israel, to regard others with hostility and worse. We have an urgent message for unaffiliated Jews and intercultural families: There is a joyful and meaningful way to celebrate one’s Jewish identity while holding fast to democratic principles.

When she returns to L.A. from her assignment in London, we’ll be glad to welcome Miller and her family to the Sholem Community.

JEFFREY KAYE, Co-Chair

HERSHL HARTMAN, Leader

Sholem Community, Los Angeles

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Miller’s hemming and hawing about being a faithless Jew was indicative of her own ignorance. How sad that she has not found any bit of Judaism that appeals to her. She seems to view Judaism as an either/or choice. Either you wear black hats, payess and tzitzit, or you attend synagogue twice a year.

Judaism is filled with a wide range of observance, traditions and rituals that are meaningful and relevant in our modern society. Assimilation feeds on ignorance. I hope that other Jews educate themselves to avoid a faithless existence.

ROB WEISSKIRCH

Brea

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Bravo to Miller for her personalized description of the Middle East dilemma. I truly hope that her article has been reprinted in both the Israeli and Palestinian press.

RICHARD E. GREENBERG

Pacific Palisades