The Religious Scene

Abstract

There are many, many contradictions in Judaism: maintaining a Jewish home is the responsibility of the woman, yet praying — or, at least, synagogue prayer — is traditionally the man’s realm. Then, again, women are halachically exempted from synagogue attendance yet the more Progressive the affiliation, the more it is the woman who takes the lead in encouraging her family’s synagogue-going.

Religion is not a Jewish concept; there is no word for religion in Judaism; it is not a thing apart… We have a life given to us by God which we live in every way religiously.

(Strictly Orthodox woman, living in Gateshead)

Being Jewish in Beverly Hills was no big deal. Everyone was. And everyone we knew was the same kind of Jew that we were — went to classes, went to synagogue on important holidays and on Friday nights from time to time… Perhaps there was some religious emotion but my memory is more of a social occasion rather than an important ritual event.

(Reform American woman)