Westman please clear up this for

[Jawge]

me: Is Jew a race or a religion. Did your parents practice Judiasm? Thanks.

[Westman]

A Jew practices Judaism which is a religion. Ethnicity is another thing. There are categories such as Hebrews, Semites, etc, which may overlap and within which are a substantial number of Jews. National origin is yet another.

Ashkenazis are secular or practicing Jews from northern and eastern Europe. Sephardim are secular and practicing jews from Iberia and North Africa.

The term Jew is often loosely used as is the term Christian. People of the same ethnicity as many practicing Jews or who live in the same communities or who are related to Jews are often called Jews even though they do not practice. These can be referred to as secular Jews. Again, no different than Christianity. Ja, in fact, and most Jamaicans are referred to as christians and as a christian nation. However, we are very secular, and many of us actually practice other faiths if any at all.

[Jawge]

Thanks sir. Quick follow
up: Did your parents practice Judaism? Thanks.

[Westman]

No. My great grandparents, that is those on the maternal, paternal, paternal side did. They were prominent in practicing Judaism in Ja. Their ancestors came to Ja to escape the Inquisition.

[Jawge]

Okay Sir and thanks.

[Westman]

Forgive me if you think I offend, because I do not intend to. As we are on this subject, why do I think you are acting as a Pharisee, trying to trick me by getting me to answer a question and then you will come and catch me in an inaccuracy? Again, if I am wrong, forgive me.