"An aged rabbi, crazed with liberalism, once said to me, We Jews are just ordinary human beings. Only a bit more so!"
- Lionel Blue
About this Quote
This quote by Lionel Blue is a funny reflection on the concept of Jewish identity. The aged rabbi exists as a figure of authority, yet his views are viewed as "crazed with liberalism" and out of touch with conventional Jewish values. The rabbi's statement that "We Jews are just regular humans. Just a bit more so!" implies that Jews are not so different from other individuals, yet there is something unique about them that sets them apart. This might be analyzed as a recognition of the special history and culture of the Jewish individuals, or as a tip that Jews ought to strive to be much better than normal individuals. Ultimately, the quote is a reminder that Jewish identity is complex and complex, which it is very important to acknowledge and commemorate the special qualities that make Jews special.
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