Why Bernie Sanders doesn't participate in organized religion

[Behind the Aegis]

39. "Being Jewish wasn't religious, it seemed more tribal."

For many Jews, it is. We do have a range, but most of the Jews I encounter, aren't what I would deem "religious". I would say "traditionalist." We had a Seder when my parents visited. My husband isn't Jewish and we didn't go crazy with the religious parts, but we did a modified version. The funniest thing? I tried to serve kosher food and not mix meat and milk, and gave my parents Kraft Ranch Dressing for their salad, only I didn't read close enough; it was "Kraft Ranch Dressing with bacon! Obviously, I don't keep kosher in my home. Of course, preparing a kosher meal in small town Oklahoma was a fucking challenge in of itself. There wasn't even Matzoh at any store in our town, not even Wally World! My parents had to bring it.

The only ones who should be 'debating' who is and isn't Jewish are Jews, and even we don't do it right. The one truth I have learned from being Jewish is: Two Jews, three opinions! That really does explain quite a bit because we are all, most of us, are expected to challenge the things, ideas, and people around us for the betterment of all peoples. It is one thing about Judaism I still hold dear.