“Jews earn like Episcopalians and vote like Puerto Ricans” said the late Jewish scholar Milton Himmelfarb back in the 1950s.

Norman Podhoretz addresses this puzzlement:

http://tinyurl.com/NormPodhoretzWhyAreJews

tinyurl.com/a-Jewish-shift-to-the-right

To - Sedona Sam,
I just finished listening to the radio interview, you has a link to.
I found it absolutely fascinating.
Mr. Podhoretz is an excellent speaker and a thoughtful thinker

That said, I could not disagree with him more.
There are a multitude number of reasons why the Jewish people tend to remain faithful to Liberal causes.

As I see it, there are perhaps two main reasons.

The first is that we fear the Fundamental Christians, who are major supporters of Israel.
Those Christians want to keep Israel safe in the same way the turkey farmer wants to keep his turkey flock safe - until Thanksgiving.
Fundamentalists need Israel to exist so that Jesus can return and the rapture takes place.
This is not a symbiotic relationship, but a parasitic one.
We have good reason not to trust any group that the Fundamentalists are in league with.

The second reason is that having been a besieged minority, we feel an affinity for other underdogs.
We have survived over 5,770 years, because we have learned that the only thing that cannot be taken away - is one’s intellect.
That is the reason we value education and knowledge,so highly.
The ‘Public’ is something we remain unsure about.
We feel that we are safer with other minorities and that we share more common bonds, with them.

Of course, these are only my personal beliefs.
One can always have another opinion.
As Mr. Podhoretz said, it does not seem that the American Jewish population will change any time soon.
On this, he and I are in total agreement.

There is nothing the Republicans have , that our family, or Jewish friends want.
It is very complicated and simple at the same time…

Thanks again for the link, I so enjoy a good discussion.

I forget to ask, what does that statement - “Jews earn like…Puerto Ricans” mean?
I am not at all familiar with that statement.

I think that Cynthia explained the issue quite well.

cynthia siegel neal,

Are you proud to be persecuted? Your fear of “Fundamental Christians” and your affinity for underdogs suggests that statement is true. I wonder if you would be happier if the United States did not support Israel? We could have saved a lot of money.

Jews, as a group, are more progressive, social and culturally compassionate, and more accepting. Within their awareness and maturity of self is strength.

I will disagree with Cynthia, fear does not generate strength.

Hello,
As to the comments per my comments…

*Thank you Benjamin, it is sometimes hard to articulate the different aspects that come into play.

*Davel - The tone of your letter is a bit off putting.
As a supporter of the state of Israel, I am very grateful that our country backs the continued existence of Israel.
You must keep in mind that it is the only Democracy in that region of the world, and thus is a plus, for America’s interests.
Both countries come out ahead, in this relationship.

Since only a ‘deranged’ people, would wish to be persecuted - your question makes no sense to me.
I repeat that we are a besieged minority, and thus are very,very careful, about those we have around us.
Our fear of Fundamental Christianity is well founded.
Perhaps, this point is not said in public, and so my statement, may appear unusual.
But, I can assure you, that, that is the case .

*Another - A people can only remain strong, when they have identified, what/whom, will put them in danger.
After 5,770 years, we have that down.
The horror about the Holocaust that so many of us still cannot understand, is how so many intelligent, educated, apparently normal peoples, engaged in this nightmare.
One day my husband and I were walking on a beautiful small street in Vienna, it was bitter cold, and we were huddling together - we each turned to the other and said, how could the Holocaust have occurred, in such a superb society.
We were amazed that we both had the same feelings, at the same moment.
That is why, more than ever, I know,that strength (survival) only comes, when you know those, whom can destroy you.

I know from your blogs that you are Christian,and that you have a very inclusive, elegant mind.I cannot recall any mean spirited remarks,ever.
But,please remember that we are less than 3% of the population.
You cannot experience what it is like to always be this kind of minority.

Most of my friends are Christian. I could not ask for a more loving and beautiful group of people. For many of these people, most of their friends are Jewish. It is a remarkable world…

Thanks again for the comments.

I understand.

The black American can ask the same thing, as can the native American.

I will argue long and hard that your strength does not come from knowing your enemies. For me, your clarity comes from knowing what is precious.

Enemies will comes and go, as your history as a culture has shown. You have prevailed in each instance with your commitment to those things you hold dear. You are chosen, and God’s trust is well placed.

cynthia siegel neal,

What makes you so afraid of Christian Fundamentalists? What power do they have? What can they do? You say the Fundamental Christians - whatever they are - want to support Israel but you also say “We have good reason not to trust any group that the Fundamentalists are in league with.” - an “off putting” statement.

Presumably, most Jews support Israel, which puts Jews in league with the Fundamentalists. Does your statement mean Jews do not trust themselves?

Because Sedona Sam did not have all of the link address in his blog for Norman Podhoretz’s editorial “Why Are Jews Liberals?”, I have included it below so that bloggers can click on it and read it.

http://www.tinyurl.com/a-Jewish-shift-to-the-right

Dear Davel,
I think that there is a compleat breakdown in communication here.

My answer to as why Jewish people are not comfortable with Fundamental Christians, was a personal and an honest one.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to take into one’s fold, a religious group, that believes that salvation arrives only when all the Jewish peoples convert to Christianity,and those who do not ,shall perish.

First you ask if - if we have pride in being persecuted.
Then you ask if Jewish people do not trust themselves.
BOTH - of these questions do not make sense to me.

If the Jewish religion preached that the messiah would only arrive, when All Fundamental Christians converted to the Jewish Faith, and those that did not would forever be in Hell - how would you feel?
Not pleased, not pleased at all.

If Fundamental Christians wish to support Israel,so be it.
If your religious beliefs hold that Jesus will only return through Israel, so be it.
We have been around, as I said for over 5,770 years, and we are not leaving.
AND - that is the Real Bottom Line.