Q&A: Judaism
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Judaism
Question
In your view, is Judaism only a religion, only a nationality, or both?
Answer
The question isn’t well defined. There is the Jewish religion and there is the Jewish nation. One could say that anyone who belongs to the religion belongs to the nation, and vice versa. But that depends on the question: what does it mean to belong to the religion? To observe the commandments? To be obligated in the commandments, even if one does not actually observe them? There is no point in this empty semantic discussion. And what defines Jewish nationality? Being born to a Jewish mother, the halakhic definition? In short, it’s a waste of time. An unnecessary discussion.