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Linda Rich

Who is ‘Religious’?

In a recent NY Times piece about religion Jessica Grose refers to herself as a “secular, mildly observant Jew”. She affords us another example of how the word “religious” is misconstrued as it relates to Judaism, this time from someone who covers the topic.

Many Jews have fallen for the idea that the word “religious” applies only to those who are Orthodox or Halachic. But there are so many other ways to be a “religious” Jew engaged with the Jewish religion. Observing some form of Judaism, albeit “mildly” (whatever that is), means by definition that you’re not secular. You can observe Judaism or you can be secular, it makes no sense to be a secular person who observes religion.

Dictionaries vary, with the first or second definition of religion being some version of “concerned with” or “relating to” or “involved with” religion. According to this, non-Orthodox people heavily engaged with religion – attending services, celebrating holidays, serving on synagogue boards, are by definition, religious. Unfortunately, rather than proudly owning and inhabiting that label, it often makes them uncomfortable. We’ve fallen into using the word in a way that makes no room for progressive Jewish religion, or for countless other do-it-yourself varieties.

Part of the confusion stems from differentiating between the Jewish religion and the Jewish people or nationality. We don’t have the language or the patience to tease apart the differences between faith, practice, and belonging. The issues are complex and personal, we don’t want to pry or cause discomfort; we may resist categories or labels are too crude, vague, or misunderstood.

The Hebrew language is also problematic. Hebrew offers only a binary distinction between religious (dati) and secular (chiloni). Israelis tend to consider only those who practice the most traditional forms of Judaism to be religious, and everyone else to be secular. Many secular Israelis see religion purely as a means of imposing restraints on their freedom. While some have adopted other Hebrew labels, these require multiple words and are not in wide usage.

We’re also confused about the difference between spirituality and religion. My brother, asked if someone was “religious,” would respond, “I can tell you if they’re observant, whether they’re religious or not is between them and their God.” Point well made.

We need our religion writers to help us develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of these topics. I’m hoping that Jessica Grose will do so in a future piece.

About the Author
Linda Rich is an executive coach and specialist in leadership development, focused on the nonprofit and faith-based sectors. She also crafts jewelry and Judaica.
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