CCAR RESPONSA
Hiding One’s Jewish Identity
5753.6
She’elah
Recently, our Confirmation class was examining what our Jewish tradition says about being Jewish in a non-Jewish world. The following qurestion came up, and we were wondering if the Responsa Committee would address it:
Some of us go with friends to social programs of Christian youth groups. In the past, when they have realized that we are Jewish, several of our friends and/or family members have responded anti-Semtically. Should we conceal our Jewish identity from them? (Rabbi Mark Glickman, Dayton, OH)
Teshuvah
Your question has already been dealt with in Responsum #63 of Contemporary American Reform Responsa, edited by Rabbi Walter Jacob (pp. 101-104) . We are enclosing a photo copy.
The question which your Confirmation class asks may therefore be answered in this fashion:
We are permitted to hide our identity only under very special circumstances, and the situation to which you refer does not qualify. Instead, the students are encouraged to proclaim their Jewishness proudly and defend it with all their might. They will find out who their real friends are.
We think that you will have a very interesting session.
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.