“Genuinely Jewish’

June 14, 2012

Re “One people, separate worlds: the sequel,” May 30

As long as the proposition is either being “genuinely Jewish” (i.e. traditionally observant) or secular (engaged in the broader world, but uninterested in “true” Jewish experience), there will never be any sense of a broader Jewish community (“One people, separate worlds: the sequel,” May 31).

Yes, the traditionally observant community has the right to observe and live in the manner they chose, as long as it doesn’t impinge on the broader community. But they don’t get to define my Jewish experience as not valid or authentic. Being Jewish is more than liberal causes. My family observes Shabbat and holidays and is affiliated with a Reconstructionist synagogue. We need to value all Jewish experiences.

Jennifer Zinman
Glen Ridge