Birthright
Published by Duncan in the blog Duncan's Blog. Views: 365
birthright [ burth-rahyt ]
noun
any right or privilege to which a person is entitled by birth:
Democracy maintains that freedom is a birthright.
Someone once called me on the statement, "He was born Jewish."
"How can you be born Jewish," he asked me.
"Are you trying to be provocative," I asked, "or do you really not know."
"Jewish is a religion. How can you be born a religion?"
I thought before answering because the question seemed so infantile. To be a member of one of the tribes of Israel meant that you had lineage to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Some have converted in order to enter the tribe. Many in my circles were born of two parents who were both of the tribe. The birthright is genetic. In fact, when I took an ancestry DNA test, the result was 98% Ashkenaz.
I have looked elsewhere, but nothing has captured my attention for any long-standing period of time. The Unitarian-Universalist church to which I belong even had to be told not to send me Jewish invitations to Jewish themed events. I had to explain to the minister, if I wanted to engage in a Jewish event, I would go to the genuine article rather than find comfort in a pale U-U imitation of the celebration.
I dabbled with curiosity with the witch and pagan folks. My attention fizzled out. I think the group had members who were more desperate for attention than anything else. And then there would always be one individual (on ZOOM) who had the need to move with the phone or computer. I'd find this action to be dizzying and would have to cover their video.
But as far as the birthright goes, you can hide from people, but not from G*d. So... embrace the birthright.
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