Krauthammer: Turning up Jewish (everyone is Jewish until proven otherwise)

Townhall ^ | 09/25/06 | Charles Krauthammer

[presidio9]

Strange doings in Virginia. George Allen, former governor, one-term senator, son of a famous football coach and in the midst of a heated battle for re-election, has just been outed as a Jew. An odd turn of events, given the fact that his having Jewish origins has nothing to do with anything in the campaign and that Allen himself was oblivious to the fact until his 83-year-old mother revealed to him last month the secret she had kept concealed for 60 years.

[Zionist Conspirator]

George is very fortunate. He's just found out that the Holy Torah, the blueprint of the universe, is his birthright.

Take it easy, George, but begin observing. And clobber that Scots-Irish Democrat turncoat!

'Ashrei ha`am sheHaShem 'Eloqayv!

[Zionist Conspirator]

I learned that my maternal great-grandfather was Jewish. I thought this explained my affinity for Israel but I was told by a rabbi, "You're not Jewish, since your great-grandmother wasn't. Jewishness can only be passed down through the maternal line."

I'm confused. Any definitive opinion out there?

If your mother was Jewish, then you're Jewish. If your father was Jewish but your mother wasn't, then you're not Jewish (unless you convert).

That's the Halakhah.

[Poser]

Unless the Jews invaded the British Isles, Ireland and Scotland before William the Conqueror, I don't qualify. I am, however, a Zionist.

[elcid1970]

OK, I guess I'm not Jewish. But I love and support Israel.

Can I still be a Zionist?

[SJackson]

Allen would be barred because he's adopted another religion. elcid1970's great-grandfather wouldn't help. A single grandfather would be enough, presuming you hadn't adopted another religion, something easily lied about if one wanted to emigrate to Israel. For those who are not practicing Jews, those qualifications are based on what was necessary to be persecuted under the Nuremburg Laws.…. Not really. Judaism defines who is a Jew through the mother. As I noted, I don't think re-conversion is necessary since one can never lose what one always was to begin with.

I was responding to the question of emigration to Israel, as an acknowledged Presbyterian he’d be barred. Under the Nuremburg laws, and to some people on the internet, he’d be a Jew irrespective of his beliefs. He, his mother, his family would have been sent to the camps.

IMO, although it seems like I post on it weekly, generally this isn’t a real world issue. In my view, from a practical standpoint, if George Allen says he’s a Presbyterian, he’s a Presbyterian. Yes, his status might be different as a member of the Jewish community, but he’s making no attempt to assume that role. And might differ by denomination. Whether he or his mom are Jews, heretics, isn’t relevant in the real world.

[Alexander Rubin]

Might explain your affinity for Israel, but yeah, Jewishness is passed down through the maternal line or through formal conversion, and through practicing the faith, or not espousing another faith (if you are born into it).

[SJackson]

I don't see why Jewish ancestry should be a problem with the voters. The problem is if he/she is a secular-liberal politician, rather whether he/she is Jewish ornot.

I don't either. Given the way the issue has been raised, and the Webb campaign attacks on their Jewish primary opponent, the business anti-Christ, it's clear the Webb campaign considers it a viable issue. In Allen's case, I'd guess it's both from the perspective of letting those in Virginia who won't vote for a Jew his background, as well as suggesting to normal voters that perhaps he's embarassed by his background, thus antisemitic himself. Ties in well with the accusations of racism.

[Alexander Rubin]

A lot ended up in Canada. A surprising percentage of Canadian Jews vote Conservative.

[Alexander Rubin]

That definitely counts for him. ;p

[SJackson]

On the other hand, being a German-Catholic, conservative American may have strong negative consequences, since there are three strikes against it and 3 strikes and you're out!!!!!!!

Probably more German Catholics as a percentage in Wisconsin than anywhere. Plenty of Polish Catholics too. Liberals of course, not conservatives, and look what happens, they elect two Jewish Senators. Go figure.

[SJackson]

Their is the way for some, but we shouldn't be encouraged (by celebrities like Allen) to impersonate or to even intentionally imply impersonation. Learning is wonderful enough. Of course, that's only a non-Jewish student's opinion on my part.

Allen's not impersonating, he's declaring he's Presbyterian, which he is.

[Alexander Rubin]

Yep. ;p Sorry. There's actually 13 principles out there of Maimonides, who sum it up pretty well.

[Alexander Rubin]

That seems like a good system.

[Alexander Rubin]

Simple enough system. ;p

[Alexander Rubin]

He would have. Formal conversion counts. ;p Ruth converted, if thats what you are referring to.

[Alexander Rubin]

Rabbi Lapin is pretty good.

[familyop]

"Thanks for taking the time to site those passages, I will study all of them and get back to you, if you don't mind."

Be sure to read more text around them, too, to get the truthful context. ...for example, who "son of man" refers to (not what many people are erroneously told). It's easy enough to find for oneself that the Prophets did not say or write "types and shadows" as often alleged.

[Alexander Rubin]

;) Seinfeld was awesome. Although, I think half the characters are catholic. I'm fairly sure George is. And I was under the impression Kramer was too.

[Alexander Rubin]

That's pretty awesome.

[Alexander Rubin]

Why, we can be zionists together, FRiend. ;)