1 definition by Edwin D. R.
Jews are a cultural, ethnic, and religious group with origins in the Middle East. They were exiled from their land thousands of years ago by the ancient Romans and wandered throughout the world, while holding onto their cultural traditions and language the entire time. The return of Jews to the land of Israel in modern times is considered a miracle by many, both Jews and non-Jews. Whether miracle or not, it is an amazing historic event. Modern genetic studies have shown that Jews from all over Europe, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Algeria, and many other places have a close genetic relationship based on their common Israelite origin; also, they have an admixture of genes from neighboring peoples, so Jews are no more or less a race than are Armenians, Swedes, Greeks, etc.
The one characteristic that stands out in Jewish culture is the ability to look at the world in a new way. That's why people such as Abraham, Jesus, Freud, Marx, Einstein, and many others, have changed our basic outlook on the world.
Unfortunately, many people do not understand Jews and Judaism very well. The fact that this group has been subject to attempts to eliminate them through genocide (Nazi Germany, the Crusades, ancient Persia, ancient Egypt) has left a trauma on the Jewish national consciousness. In the modern era, genocidal intentions against the Jewish people remain a threat, chiefly by practitioners of Jihad terrorism, abetted by a propaganda war against the State of Israel in the world media. Ironically, despite the "stinginess" stereotype, Jews give more to charities than any other ethnic group. Jews do like to get a good deal, though. Why pay retail?
The one characteristic that stands out in Jewish culture is the ability to look at the world in a new way. That's why people such as Abraham, Jesus, Freud, Marx, Einstein, and many others, have changed our basic outlook on the world.
Unfortunately, many people do not understand Jews and Judaism very well. The fact that this group has been subject to attempts to eliminate them through genocide (Nazi Germany, the Crusades, ancient Persia, ancient Egypt) has left a trauma on the Jewish national consciousness. In the modern era, genocidal intentions against the Jewish people remain a threat, chiefly by practitioners of Jihad terrorism, abetted by a propaganda war against the State of Israel in the world media. Ironically, despite the "stinginess" stereotype, Jews give more to charities than any other ethnic group. Jews do like to get a good deal, though. Why pay retail?
Neighbor: "I see you've got your bags packed. Going on vacation?"
Jewish Guy: "No, I'm Jewish."
Observer: "When you get two Jews together why are there three opinions?"
Jewish Guy: ""We're saving one for a rainy day."
Jewish Guy: "No, I'm Jewish."
Observer: "When you get two Jews together why are there three opinions?"
Jewish Guy: ""We're saving one for a rainy day."
by Edwin D. R. February 2, 2008